The Tennessee men's basketball team officially has its starting point.
UT coach Bruce Pearl talked to his players about the starting lineup and rotation for the first time Wednesday afternoon.
"I told them today about the rotations as I see it,'' Pearl said. "We're putting the team together.''
Pearl said he wasn't ready to publicly announce the starting lineup, but Bobby Maze is most assuredly the starter at point guard, and juniors Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith will be in the front court.
Pearl said some players were disappointed to learn they weren't starters, but he felt it important to let them know where they stand heading into Monday's 7:30 p.m. exhibition opener at Thompson-Boling Arena against Division II Indianapolis.
"It is what it is, as of right now,'' Pearl said. "But I'm not ready to announce it - and it could change between now and Monday.''
Junior J.P. Prince, the projected starter at wing, underwent an MRI Wednesday after jamming his right shoulder in a fall during practice. Prince was scrambling for a loose ball when he landed awkwardly. Prince underwent reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder in April.
"Bobby Maze, Josh Tabb and Scotty Hopson are the only guards at my disposal right now," Pearl said.
UT's waiting to learn the status of freshman point guard Daniel West.
West was ruled academically ineligible after his standardized test score was flagged by the testing agency, according to two sources close to the situation.
West has re-taken the test, and UT hopes to receive the results this week.
Pearl has yet to make any comments on the situation, citing a privacy clause involving player academics.
Freshman Renaldo Woolridge was one of the players who learned he's not a starter.
"Coach told me I'm a backup at the three (wing) right now, but I'm in the nine-man rotation,'' said Woolridge, whose size and versatility also make him an option at power forward and shooting guard. "It's a matter of me proving I can defend people on the wing.
"I'm not satisfied, as far as me knowing what I can do, but right now it's a fair assessment. I need to keep working hard and pushing until I'm one of the top players."
Redshirt freshman Cameron Tatum continues to work lightly with the team but has been held out of scrimmage action since returning Monday. Tatum, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Oct. 10, can play shooting guard or wing.
Both Woolridge and Tatum stayed late to work on their shots.
Chism figures to be the starter at the post with Smith at power forward and Prince on the wing - assuming he's healthy - while Scotty Hopson and Maze are the front runners in the backcourt.
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Comments » 58
jfg1980 writes:
1st
jfg1980 writes:
Man, I hope Daniel passed his test. Good to see B-ball season is here. Go Vols!
VolPride_13 writes:
What about Negedu?
coach75 writes:
wonder if ut will have a shot at any of the arizona recruits if they are good enough?
britt writes:
Looking forward to seeing a prepared, motivated, disciplined team in Orange.
lomas98 writes:
I'm sure the West test results will be here sometime after Thanksgiving. I wonder if the state of Michigan uses the same format to send test scores like Gerald Williams' school does?
cjraney writes:
Obviously we all want to see Hopson in orange, but I am very interested to see what Tatum can do as well. He looked pretty sharp at times in his limited minutes.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Wow, it's basketball season. Boy has it been fun the last 3 years, hasn't it!! Watching us win games instead of losing by 20, 30 , and 40 points. I played in the 60's and watched Ray Mears' teams as they started out. A true joy to behold. The long wait has been well worth it. jGo Vols!
SmokeDog72 writes:
This team could end up being nasty!!!!
I love it!!!!
cainclifton23 writes:
I think anything short of Elite 8 will be a let down, NCAA bball is young mans game and we got plenty of good ones
utvolz#637682 writes:
Damn skippy!
Frank (broadcasting live from Manchester, TN!)
newtonrail writes:
We can HOPE for an Elite 8, but losing 4 of 5 starters makes that a little tough. Most everyone is down on Fulmer, and expects miracles from Pearl. Let's give them a chance to develop.
AppStVol writes:
We lost 3 of 5 starters. (chism, tyler). I think that this team has the ability to be better than last years depending on how hopson and maze shoot the ball. Maze has got to be an upgrade over the dynamic duo of ramar smith and jordan howell. Plus think of the size we will have on the court this year with hopson, prince, smith, chism, and coming off of the bench big baby, renaldo, negedu, and tatum. Look forward to seeing this team take the floor.
newtonrail writes:
And I will be there. Depends on point in year whether it was 3 or 4 starters lost. We won't quibble when we do have the things you mention, but 3 pt shooting is unproven.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
What kind of a plan is that, Pearl?
Simply start the 5 that's been there the longest. Talent and ability should not enter into your decision.
You trying to win the SEC or something?
LongtimeVol writes:
That's cold pd. Funny, true, but cold. I like it!
oldorange writes:
The first time I will have a chance to see Pearl's team will be in Orlando toward the end of November. I agree with ohter posts who mention that UT fanns have high hopes all of the time. This team although, talented individually will have to work on team cohesiveness. I think Pearl can accomplish this but probably not right out of the gate.
GO VOLS!!!
askUncleMaze writes:
I think Negedu will back up T.Smith...
volphan78 writes:
Looking forward to seeing how this young talent matures and if we can make a deep run in the NCAA's! Elite 8 may be a little lofty but we'll see.
Bruce_Pearl_Fan writes:
Good one.
Maybe he should start telling Ronaldo to keep working like heck to get better. He can then review the tape to see if he's worthy of a starting spot, only to be told he doesn't know the blocking assignments (ie pick and roll, box out) well enough to deserve the spot.
GO Vols.
knoxtenor writes:
Seemed to me as if Bruce chose the right starting lineup for the opponent he was facing last season. When you have an entire tool set, as Bruce did, and still does, for the most part, you pick the right tool for the job and don't worry about whether the pipe wrench feels underutilized. Do you want to play on a nationally recognized, Top Ten, winning team or do you just want to play? If you just want court time, there are plenty of community colleges around.
threehundredbowler writes:
Damn,Pearl is no better than Fulmer.He has the nerve to start players he sees as being the best instead of who the fans see as the best.This phooey will soon get him fired.Come on Pearl,we the fans,know who is the better player not some stupid coach.Get with the program or get the h--- out you stupid moron.
KENVOL writes:
Was it me or was Williams not talked about? Does he start or comes off of the bench.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
1- maze, prince/west(??)/ Tabb(?)
2-Hopson, Tabb, Tatum(?),Prince
3-Hopson, T. Smith, Tatum, Woolridge, Prince
4-T. Smith, Negedu, Woolridge
5-Chism, B. wiiliams, Negedu, Jurick(?)
Just kind of thinking out loud as to where kids could play. ? indicates, 'huh, maybe, if not hurt, if on team', that sort of thing.
Remembe, Tyler needs backcourt sills for the NBA, probably part of his deal with Bruce to stay put.
Carlitovol writes:
We're #13 in the Coaches Pre-season poll.. sweeeet
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/ncb/rank...
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
Clawson's Starting Lineup:
Quinn Cannington
Justin Jackson
Steven Pearl
Philip Jurick
Tanner Wild
alfrizzle097 writes:
If Tatum is not just awful of defense, I see him getting the most playing time. Probably start at wing and slide to shooting guard when Hopson sits. This team will be short on CONSISTENT three point shooters. Tatum seems to provide that judging from his limited minutes last year.
Williams should be set to have a great year. This is probably the year he gets accustomed to playing without all that weight he lost over the last two years.
Jurick is a project. Red shirt after limited playing time early on.
It would be a shame for Childress to be forgotten after all his hard work. When is he supposed to be healthy again? I will not forget his second half performance against OSU in the tourney.
JeffBleedsOrange writes:
You're an idiot.
jeff1vol writes:
Does anyone know why there are NO GATOR TROLLS commenting on these bball articles???? Hmmmm... BD is BP's little B!@#. Where are you guys? C'mon...got something smart to say? Didn't think so.
murrayvol writes:
There are only 200 available minutes. A 12 man rotation doesn't work. It is what it is.
murrayvol writes:
You obviously aren't aware that "huff-n-puff" is a magic dragon.
He isn't all knowing, however. Said we'd go 7-5 this year. Still could but unlikely.
bleed_orange writes:
1PG-Maze,Prince,West/Tabb?,(Wild,Jackson-3rd & 4th string)
2SG-Hopson,Tabb,Tatum,Woolridge,Prince,(Quin-4th string)
3SF/Wing-Prince,Tatum,Woolridge,Smith,Hopson,(Pearl-3rd str)
4PF-Smith,Negedu,Chism,(Childress-3rd string)
5C-Chism,Williams,(Jurick-3rd string)
Starting line-up for 1st game: PG Maze, SG Hopson, SF Prince, PF Smith, & C Chism
2nd string: PG Prince, SG Tabb (until Tatum is healthy), SF Woolridge, PF Negedu, & C Williams (with Jurick getting a few minutes)
Clean-up: PG Wild & Jackson, SG Quin, SF Pearl, PF Childress?, & C Jurick
PG- Maze 25 min, Prince 10 min, Wild & Jackson 5 min
Sg- Hopson 20M, Tabb 10M,Woolridge 7m, Quin 3M
SF- Prince 20M, Woolridge 5m, Hopson 5m, Smith 5m,Pearl 5m
PF- Smith 25m, Negedu 10m,Chism 5m
C- Chism 20m, Williams 15m, Jurick 5m
Exhibition: Smith 30 min, Prince 30 min, Maze 25 min, Chism 25 min, Hopson 25 min, Williams 15 min, Woolridge 12 min, Negedu 10 min, Tabb 10 min, Jurick 5 min, Pearl 5 min, Quin 3 min, Wild 3 min, Jackson 2 min
Points: Smith 16 pts, Hopson 15 pts, Prince 14 pts,Maze 12 pts, Chism 10 pts, Williams 9 pts, Woolridge 8 pts, Negedu 6 pts, Tabb 5 pts Jurick 3 pts, Pearl 2 pts= TN 100 pts vs Indianapolis 70 pts
I'm just having fun imagining all the possiblities with this Vols team. I'm ready for basketball season. GO VOLS!
jasonn1970 writes:
FREE DANIEL WEST!!!!!!
Orange4life writes:
dude give at a rest please
this is basketball, go over to the football articles and post there.
mloaks#222092 writes:
last
TheMagician writes:
Man, am I ready for basketball!
Here's to a great season guys!
poof!
bleed_orange writes:
If West gets cleared and Tatum gets healthy, I see West as #2 PG, and Tatum as #2 SG (with some time at#2 SF), Maze as #1 PG, JP as #1 SF,#3 PG, & #3 SG, Hopson as #1 SG & #5 SF, Tyler #1 PF & #4 SF, Chism #1 C and #3 PF. Negedu as the #2 PF, and Woolridge #3SF & #4 SG.
The rotation will probally end up being Bobby, Scotty, JP, Tyler, & Wayne. The 2nd string being Cameron, Brian, Daniel, Renaldo and Emmanuel with Josh, Steven, Ryan and Philip getting to play every once in a while. I have it as a 10 man rotation. However, we all know that Coach Pearl likes a 8 or 9 man rotation better than a 10. So, who will be left out? Maybe Daniel, Negedu, or Woolridge will all be left out. Maze, Hopson, Prince, Smith, Chism, Williams, Tatum and Tabb will play with Childress and Pearl also left out.
That gives TN- Maze & Prince at PG(can play the 1,2 or 3) , Hopson(can play the 2 or 3) & Tabb at SG(PG?), Prince and Tatum at SF(can both play the 2&3), Smith (can play 3 or 4)and Chism at PF(can also play the 5), & last but not least Chism and Williams at C. You would think Negedu or Jurick would also get a couple of minutes at PF & C. I think Jurick and West might end up red shirting. I'm not sure about Woolridge (he can playthe 2 or 3). Sound like Emmanuel would be a good sub for Tyler at the 4.
GO VOLS!
Volumnus writes:
With the big named talent, eligibility issues become more prominent and a bigger challenge to keep out of a program. It is safe to say that there aren't any future engineering school graduates being recruited to play basketball in the SEC(Vandy excepted). I hope our tutoring staff is up to the challenge and we can keep our talent on the floor. Hopefully for more than one year at a time. I am pulling for Daniel West to get back on the floor. I was impressed with his play in the RTL.
The_the writes:
GO HEELS!!!
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
-10 million we're gonna fix it
-20 million dad gums
-30 million workin like hecks
OrangeNugget writes:
I am at student here and work at the TRecs and i see them play all the time there. Maze has unbelievable ball handling skills but honestly he cannot shoot the ball very well. But he has been constantly working on it so it will improve.
pupvol writes:
I agree.I see Tatum as big key to this season.one of our best players Ithink.
CoverOrange writes:
OrangeNugget, if he can make a layup he will be an improvement over last year.
tnbanker_govols writes:
The only positive during football season.....basketball season is upon us!!! Ten years ago, you would have never thought in a million years but,...here we are. SOOOO much young talent on this basketball team....very exciting. They may not fulfill some expectations this year but as this team matures.......oh man, Watch Out!!! As long as we beat the Memphis Thugs..I mean the Memphis Tigers, hey, that's reason enough to head on over to Goldshmiff's!!!
overatedvols writes:
Memphis (thugs as we were refered to in the above post)
#12
Tenn.
#13
Vols always looking up to the Tigers and
Memphis always looking down on the Vols.
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
I have a problem with both actually. I watched the B. Davis Show last night. I was amazed not to hear "the coaches didn't get stupid overnight", "we're gonna work like heck to get better", or "we can fix it", and not once did Davis blame his players for his own inadequacies. This program deserves better. We're the biggest joke in college football (behind Michigan of course). And worst of all, we lose half the current starters to graduation. Think we're going to be any better next year? FOOLmer took the program to new highs and now to new lows. If he loves UT as much as he claims he should resign now and let the healing begin. But he can "fix it" right?
VolGraduate writes:
Fire Pearl!!!
THE_VOL writes:
FYI...Prince will be out 6-8 weeks with another shoulder surgery.
Now, as I posted before I would highly suggest that folks dial back all these lofty expectations. Why?
* This is NOT a deep team in terms of experience.
* It is also not a very physical team.
* There are NO proven shooters AND the 3 pt line has been moved back. Don't EVEN try to convince yourself that those few inches won't make a difference.
* A point of emphasis for officials is to curtail the physical play in the post. If they don't adapt, more fouls will be called on some of our guys Chism/Williams/Tyler that we can't afford to be without and two of those already have trouble staying on the floor.
* Another point of emphasis is the block/charge call on screens. Since BP is VERY big on playing off ball screens this too could be problematic.
All this "gotta get to the Elite 8 or it's a bust", "this is a Final 4 team" talk is nice but you really should consider what all CAN go wrong along the way - and alot of it is totally out of the control of BP and the players! Trust me I want to win it all as much as anybody but the realities just aren't suggesting it as a liklihood this year.
VolGraduate writes:
The-VOL:
Where is that sense of realism when you talk about the football program? Pearl should be held to a different standard than Phil?
THE_VOL writes:
Tell ya what moron - since you are so hyped about the kitty cats and so convinced that you're headed to another Final 4, let's both put up $5000. If the Tigers make the Final 4 you collect. If not, I collect. We can let an honest guy like Father Vol - right there in Memphis - hold the money. Now, how much do you REALLY like your boys chances???????
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