Tennessee freshman Scotty Hopson might not have needed to prove anything to anybody Friday night - but he did.
Hopson's eight-point flurry in the midst of a 10-0 run made the difference for the Vols in the first half of their 76-66 win at Middle Tennessee State.
"Scotty Hopson's little run in the first half was huge,'' UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "It was a separator. All things were equal and then all of the sudden a great player stepped up.
"It's great to have that dangerous weapon out there.''
The Vols will need a complete arsenal at the Old Spice Classic in Orlando, Fla. UT (3-0) opens the tournament Thursday (TV: ESPN2, noon) against Siena. With a win, the Vols would face the winner of the Wichita State-Georgetown game in the second round Friday.
Whoever UT plays, it likely will be a step up from the respectable in-state competition it has faced the first three games of the season.
Hopson came to the Vols with McDonald's All-American credentials, but in Pearl's share-the-wealth offensive system, some wondered how things would work out.
If anything, Pearl said, Hopson needs to look for more shots.
"He's so unselfish, wanting to stay with continuity, that he's not aggressive enough,'' Pearl said. "When Scotty's got the hot hand, I probably should have gone to him a couple of more times.''
Hopson ranks fourth on the Vols in scoring, averaging 10.7 per game. But Hopson's .619 field-goal percentage leads UT's backcourt players.
Tyler Smith, the preseason SEC player of the year, said it was big for Hopson to get it done in the clutch on the road.
"That's what we'll need out of Scotty come clutch time,'' said Smith, who leads the team with a 19.3 points-per-game average. "You know he can play, but it's different when it's on the road and it's close. I think it was big.''
Free-Throw Show: The Vols have shot .718 from the free-throw line this season while opponents have hit only .586.
UT hit .659 from the line last season.
Freshman Emmanuel Negedu leads the Vols with a .875 free-throw percentage while Smith, Bobby Maze and Cameron Tatum have hit at a .778 clip.
"Coach made us shoot 250 to 500 free throws each week because he wanted it to be that good,'' Smith said. "Last year, you had Chris (Lofton) shooting a high percentage, and JaJuan (Smith) was up there, too.
"I think everyone now is ready to step up and knock it down at the line.''
Prince Update: J.P. Prince had an electronic stimulus device on his foot after Friday's game after Pearl said he twisted his ankle. Prince said he thought he would be ready to play against Siena.
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Comments » 47
CoverOrange writes:
Noon? I'll have to drive faster Thanksgiving morning to get to grandma's house in time.
Wonder how many FTs last year's team practiced, outside of Lofton?
tennesseetitan_vol86 writes:
Is there a spot for Eric Berry on the hoops squad, I mean this guy is amazing, im sure he would be just as good on the court as well, lol
CleverUserNameVol writes:
I said the same thing to my dad earlier. That dude is a machine.
THE_VOL writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I'm a bit more interested in finding out what's up with E.J. Abrams-Ward. Part of his recruiting deal was that he would be given a shot at playing b'ball as well as football. After redshirting in football and with no bowl, he should be able to hit the practice court as soon as the basketVols get back from Florida. Last I heard, he's about 6'5", 235, and was an All-Stater and state champion in North Carolina.
Agree strongly that Scotty needs to get as many shots as he can comfortably take in the context of the overall offense.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Agree completely about Hopson's rebounding. With his quickness and hops, he should be sweeping the boards. Rebounding is of course as much a matter of attitude as anything else, and it may be farther down Scotty's list than learning how to play offense and defense at this level. As for the free throws, B.Maze is an ENORMOUS improvement over Ramar Smith, JP's shoulder is healthy now, Chism seems to have improved this year, Brian Williams has gotten more attempts and converted most of them, Negedu has been a pleasant surprise, and so on. The fact is, even with the loss of Chris and Juanny, the team as a whole just seems to be better shooters than last year's team. Hope it keeps up!
sameolvolalum writes:
I'm sure Coach Pearl will take care of Scotty's rebounding "problem." I'd say he's doing just fine at this point of his first college career. Have you bothered to check how well he's screening for RB's for Williams, Chism, Prince, Smith or Negudu?
richvol writes:
Bobby Maze is a very poised player and does everything expected of him extremely well. His shot from the paint is soft and I hope he takes more of them as the season progresses. Most players let their adrenaline get the better of them under the basket and throw their layups up so hard off of the glass that they often miss.
Josh Tabb was impressive in a backup role at point. Negedu has picture perfect form on his free throws. Once this beast becomes more comfortable with Pearl's system he will play more aggressively...everybody better watch out because he is a man among boys.
oldorange writes:
I will be on my way to Cocoa Beach on Tuesday. I look forward to catching all 4 days of the Old Spice Classic.
Although, I am a huge Vol fan, I think the "talking heads" have made Gonzaga the favorite of the tourney, with Michigan State 2nd and UT or Georgetown in the third slot. I really hope UT improves on this speculation by providing an upset.
I also think that winning this tournament this early in the season would be a bit to much to ask for this young UT team.
I hope I am wrong.....We'll see
GO VOLS!!!!!!!
CleverUserNameVol writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
CoverOrange writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
THE_VOL writes:
What the hell are you talking about "how well he's screening for RBs..."??????
THE_VOL writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
CoverOrange writes:
Jealous of what? That you sniff lockerrooms at TBA? Just because you "know" stuff doesn't mean you are smart. I since a case of low self-esteem.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
CleverUserNameVol writes:
You don't want to get into a battle of wits with me. You didn't bring any ammunition, little boy.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
you see? it was so good they had to take it off the site. too bad THE_VOL, I was really hoping to hear what you had to say about it.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
You're absolutely right and I'm sorry. I just get tired of these jerks getting on this site and unleashing on people who are just here trying to contribute. I guess I take it too far sometimes.
CoverOrange writes:
I'm pretty sure I didn't say anything worth getting deleted. No names, no euphemisms.
Clever, I agree about being tired of jerks with delusions of grandeur.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
No doubt! You don't see overatedvols on here running his mouth tonight, do you? Talk about an overrated basketball team. How in the hell are they ranked higher than us?
THE_VOL writes:
You're right, I don't. I never battle with the handicapped. But I encourage you to check the record cause my credibility is well established. Now calm down and put your tubes back in.
bkgunter writes:
"Well established credibility ??"
Good God.
CoverOrange writes:
Yes, he has cred. Insider info by someone or first hand observation. Doesn't make him smarter than anyone else. Just self-righteous.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
I did some research and you are correct, your credentials stand up. You are indeed the biggest douche bag on the site. Congratulations are in order, you've pulled ahead of overatedvols and taken the lead. But your boyfriend assures me you're really a sweetheart deep down. By the way, he's expecting that commitment ceremony proposal from you so you might want to go ring shopping soon.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
I don't care what kind of information he receives, it doesn't give him the right to come on this page and berate everyone else for stating their views on the basketball team. And you are right, it does not make him smarter. His posts are the least intelligent drivel that I've read on here. Nothing but calling other people morons and telling them they don't know what they're talking about. I suggest that he move to Memphis and become a Tiger fan, they're more on his level of thinking. And the chances that he would be robbed and shot would increase, thereby making the world a better place.
overatedvols writes:
"Whoever UT plays, it likely will be a step up from the respectable in-state competition it has faced the first three games of the season."
Glad you were able to pull out that nail biter Fri. and beat
Middle Tenn. St.
Near derailment on the latest leg of the cupcake tour train.
bkgunter writes:
OverStatedFlaws:
There is one more stop on the in-state cupcake tour.
See you at the station---you'll need your tissues just like last year.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
I don't think Memphis counts as cupcake, that's giving them way too much credit. They are more like a fruit snack.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
Congrats on your big win last night...oh wait...that's right, you lost. Nevermind
Colliervol writes:
Those two "cupcakes" we just played are favored to win their respective conferences so, if they do as expected, it will be good for UT's RPI. Especially any road win against a conference champion. Doesn't matter who or what conference.
Don't worry Brownsville. They'll be quiet now for awhile until they start running off a string of wins in Conference USeless (or until UT loses one). Xavier didn't even play that well and beat that tail so they have plenty to worry about when they see Georgetown, Gonzaga or UT.
The main issue Memphis will have when they play a good team (including UT) is the lack of a point guard to guide them. It is painfully clear that they have no one to run their offense (as Derrick Rose did) and no one to bail them out when it fails (as CDR did). Their freshman will be pretty good given time but there still won't be a point guard and that is a major issue.
overatedvols writes:
Tigers have probs, big probs. I have not seen a tiger team play as bad as this one in the last 4 years. People were unrealistic to think they could lose 3 of the starting 5 and bring in rookies to replace them and hardly notice a difference. You don't replace 3 players of that caliber with rookies and not expect a big dropoff. We've definitely got a big dropoff. We have a crisis at this point. No point guard. Tyreke playing bad and the verdict is still out as to whether he's ever going to live up to the hype. Poor free throw shooting and poor overall shooting and a team that has 0 chemistry. It will get better but the question is how much better. Will they be a great team by end of the season or will they be a great disappointment. Still, it's very early, it could change. The positives are that we played UMass, Seaton Hall and Xavier (an elite 8 team last year) and won 2 out of 3 and almost won last night. Still, the play has been very disappointing.
Also we haven't been busy padding our record with easy wins and as bad as we are we're still better than the Vols.
(Didn't think I was gonna make a post without at least some form of an attack or insult did you)
Colliervol writes:
As an aside, it would appear that our old buddy DSA/ The_Vol is back to his old ways again. Some good points but can't ever seem to express them without insulting somebody. (Or making a post without getting ejected.)
Hard for anybody to take one seriously when one tries to debate from that position. Pretty soon folks just start ignoring you.
Colliervol writes:
Good points. So many folks down here just thought that you could lose 4 key players and everything would be the same. Very unrealistic. Can't agree with you about the schedule though. (UMass and Fairfield?) Seton Hall was decent but was undermanned. Xavier was an Elite 8 team last year but lost their 3 main players. They played badly yesterday as well but survived.
UT is going to lose a couple of games early too. But I've seen both teams and I don't believe Memphis is as good as UT. Not right now anyway and for sure if they don't find a point guard. UT has already surprised me with their level of play with so many new players and Bobby Maze is a better point guard than anybody we've had since C.J. Watson. But all that will be settled at a later date.
It could change when Cal hits them hard in practice in December but I don't know. I just don't think some of those guys are capable of doing what they are being asked to do.
Madkels writes:
There must either be to much emotion on this posting or the KNS has already implemented the Obama fairness doctrine!
overatedvols writes:
Collier...agreed. Can't argue with any of it at this point.
trollhunter writes:
Hey ignorant astard,
Get your material out of this hole out right now or be prepared to be annihilated.
You big, big baby!!!!
You know you can't handle me so you got your right hand troll, itsme, to provide backup for you.
trollhunter writes:
This board has probs and has you written all of it. So why don't you go to a board that really cares about your probs and stay there. You big,big trussy.
Already know one problem: can't accept the fact that Kansas is the 2008 National Champs.
overatedvols writes:
Whew, talk about kicking somebody when they are down. Trollhunter is ruthless. I wish you'd just bring cousin Robvols back. He's a bit kinder. Now I find out that Trollhunter has a brother that's even worse. What are the odds that you'd find 3 troll haters all in one family. Pretty incredible.
Hey Rob, Kansas may have won that game but you and I both know who had the best team. Kansas didn't win it. Memphis lost it. Tennessee watched from home dreaming of being 3 and 0 next season after their cupcake tour.
trollhunter writes:
LET ME SHOW YOU A CUPCAKE TOUR, YOU LITTLE RUSSY!!!!
YOU ARE THE CUPCAKE TOUR
YOU ARE THE CUPCAKE TOUR
YOU ARE THE CUPCAKE TOUR
YOU ARE THE CUPCAKE TOUR
YOU ARE THE CUPCAKE TOUR
YOU ARE THE CUPCAKE TOUR
YOU ARE THE CUPCAKE TOUR
NOW GO EAT YOUR CUPCAKE AND ACCEPT THE LOSS AND THE FACT THAT KU IS THE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!!!
AND STAY AT YOUR OWN POST TROLLBOY!!! OR BE PREPARE TO MEET YOUR JUDGE, YOUR JURY AND YOUR EXECUTIONER!!!!!!
trollhunter writes:
DON'T WORRY ABOUT MY COUSIN ROB, YOU NUSSY WEAKLING, YOU MAY HAVE TO DEAL WITH MY BROTHER TOO WHO WILL TOTALLY CRUSH YOU!!!!
trollhunter writes:
GUESS WHAT,
AS LONG AS HIM AND HIS FOLLOWERS ARE HERE TERRORIZING THIS SITE, DON'T EXPECT ME TO GO AWAY ANYTIME SOON TILL THE MISSION IS COMPLETE!!!!
trollhunter writes:
POLL:
Is Compact1 a troll lover?
A. YES
B. NO
C. TROLL HATER
D. HE GOES BOTH WAYS
trollhunter writes:
Hey brownstains,
Why don't you wipe off your troll loving smile off your so-called orange face and prepare to stand on trial for: TREASON!!!!
trollhunter writes:
Give support to the trolls.
And you are the very fan that makes us question if we are really UT fans through thick or thin.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Very astute analysis in the first part of this. Gets a little shaky in the second part. We won't get a chance to find out, but I would bet that UT's early opponents would beat UMass and Seton Hall two out of three. Xavier is good and they beat you. Then you stated the Tiggers were better than the Vols. By what measure? We are undefeated while you have lost one; as others have pointed out by actually looking at the relevant site, our RPI is higher than yours. In this week's poll, we rank higher than you. We have our PG and two others to back him up as necessary. And finally I never even suspected that you could post on here without insulting the Vols(;-P)!
trollhunter writes:
OH YES I WILL, BUT I DON'T GIVE A DARN IF A WILDCAT, A GATOR, A TAR HEEL OR EVEN A TIDE FAN COMES. THE ONLY THING I GIVE A FLIP ABOUT ARE THESE TROLLS OUT WEST!!!!!
YOU ARE THE RETARD WHO CATERS TO TROLLS.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Lots of competition for that particular honor(;-P)!
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