Photo by Frederick Breedon, Associated Press
Tennessee (23) Middle Tennessee (34) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.
Photo by Frederick Breedon, Associated Press
Tennessee forward Tyler Smith (1), left, dribbles the ball next to Middle Tennessee guard J.T. Sulton (30), right, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.
Photo by Frederick Breedon, Associated Press
Tennessee guard J.P.Prince (30) center, jumps between Middle Tennessee guard John David Little (22), left, and guard James Gallman (34), right, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.
Photo by Frederick Breedon
Tennessee forward Steve Pearl (22), right, shoots the ball over the head of Middle Tennessee guard David Murray (23), left, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.
NASHVILLE - Tennessee senior J.P. Prince said he had coach Bruce Pearl covered the whole time.
"Coach and I had a pre-game talk, and I told him not to worry about me, everything will be fine,'' said Prince, who entered Friday's game against Middle Tennessee State averaging 3.6 points. "I was in a little slump, the first time that had happened.
"I played the same game tonight, and the shots finally fell.''
Prince scored a season-high 17 points to lead the ninth-ranked Vols (7-1) to a 75-54 victory over MTSU (3-6) in the first game of the Sun Belt Classic in Nashville Arena on Friday night.
Prince's previous season-high was eight points against College of Charleston.
Senior point guard Bobby Maze was the only other UT player to score in double figures with 12 points.
"I was happy to see J.P. have a game like this and play up to his potential,'' said Maze, who had three assists. "A couple of times I waited until the shot clock got down to two seconds so he'd have to shoot the ball.
"He worked hard on his shot in the offseason.''
Pearl, who called out Prince in the media earlier in the week for not performing up to par, said he was pleased to see Prince back on track.
"I was happy for J.P., because he hasn't been as productive,'' Pearl said. "We talked about it, and it was written about, and it was all fair (criticism).
"He'll feel better about himself now.''
MTSU fans had to feel good about Desmond "Boogie" Yates, who erupted for a game-high 26 points in his second game back from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery.
Yates, who's on his way to become the Blue Raiders' all-time leading scorer, scored 13 of his team's first 16 points and single-handily kept Middle Tennessee State in contention early.
UT was up 15-14 at the 12:48 mark before a Melvin Goins' steal and dunk ignited a 11-2 run that gave the Vols a 26-16 lead on a Prince's three-point play with 6:54 left in the half.
The Blue Raiders battled back, using a 10-3 run over the final 3:35 of the first half to cut UT's lead to 37-30 at halftime.
Pearl said the Vols' press was silently serving its purpose, though, wearing down Middle Tennessee.
"We pressured them almost the whole game, and while it didn't turn them over (12), it just takes its toll,'' Pearl said. "They didn't shoot well in the second half because of the way they were pressed and harassed.''
The Blue Raiders shot .407 from the floor in the first half and .321 in the second half, including 0-for-7 beyond the 3-point arc.
It was the first UT game this season where Tyler Smith and Scotty Hopson - the team's two leading scorers - were both held under double figures.
"Tyler is willing to have five assists and no turnovers, and he's our playmaker,'' Pearl said, referring to Smith's seven points. "When he needs to score for us to win, he'll score. It's not frustration on his point, it's intelligence.''
Smith's foul troubles were compounded by a twisted ankle; he played 23 minutes.
Hopson scored one point and was 0-for-3 shooting from the field.
"Scotty didn't shoot early and didn't get a lot of good looks,'' Pearl said. "I thought he played pretty good defense. Obviously he wasn't on his game.''
The Vols return to action at 7 p.m. Tuesday against Wyoming at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Gallman Working It: Former Fulton High School standout James Gallman was held scoreless, missing his five shot attempts for MTSU.
But Gallman battled on the boards, pulling down four rebounds in his 22 minutes and dishing out two assists. He also defended Hopson and Skylar McBee, who combined to go 0-for-5 from the field.
"It felt good to play against my home team,'' said Gallman, a freshman. "We get them next year and we'll see what happens. We played hard this time, and we will play hard next time.''
© 2009, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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Comments » 52
blewissmith writes:
At least Prince showed up.
schymtz writes:
Missed the game-a rare thing. I couldn't even get to the radio until the post game show. 75 points against a slow down doesn't sound all that bad. Good for JP!
chrisw2967 writes:
I dont understand Hopsons thinking , he has the size to take the ball to the rim but he acts like he is scared to dribble the ball into the lane.He would spend more time at the free throw line if he would drive the lane.How many time has anybody seen Hopson drive and pull up for a jumper ?I have yet to see him do it.
TopTenn writes:
A win is a win.
richvol writes:
A win is a win and I hate to complain about a win but good grief that was sloppy and uninspired. Good to see Prince wake up. Decent defense and it's hard to get into a flow when Pearl is still experimenting with the lineup but there is room for a lot of improvement and it's going to need to be made for us to compete with the really good teams. Go Vols.
BolivarBob writes:
I was about to give up on JP. Good balanced scoring. I don't guess Scotty will be going pro next week.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
I really like our coach, but why can he not make a better player out of Hopson? He's got enough experience now to be playing like a McDonald's All-American now, but he isn't doing it. Any truth to these posters that coach can't improve his players? Brian Williams hasn't improved a whole lot either.
volcycle writes:
I don't mean to always question Hopson game, but dang.....!
ChattTownVol writes:
we held a college team to 50ish scoring. that is impressive defense.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
I love Pearl, but I think it's natural for us Vols fans to be asking these questions. He had natural talent in CLo and JaJuan, but I truly haven't seen significant development in many of our players. I do see how much Scotty's shot has improved, but that's still not all he needs.
Brentwoodvol writes:
I give up on all these questions on BP coaching. SH is still learning his game, and at times looks alot better. His shot looks 10 times more improved. he had a ot to work on to pay at this level. He's getting there and coach will get them ready. Good post about BP still playing with line up. I think they did well for a week off and playing MTSU. No disrespect but we have memphis high and Kansas coming up!!!!
Plasticman writes:
Hate to disagree but a couple of things I would like to point out:
1. Hopson started off this season looking like an All-American. His play has declined somewhat but I don't think you can blame coaching. Hopson does not always seem to come ready to play. Coach does the right thing and usually sits him on the pine. Hopson must mature and learn to bring it every night.
2. Brian Williams has improved by leaps and bounds over his Freshman and Soph. years. He is looking better every game, blocking shots and making some great moves on the post (did you see the game tonight?)
This team still seems to play to the level of their competition, however, they have been off for 10 days and were probably a little rusty. They're going to be fine. Good to see Prince back in the groove.
cdonsbach writes:
Scotty looks like a kid out there most of the time. When things aren't going his way, he appears to slack off and looks out of the game mentally. I think his performance has more to do with his maturity level and his desire and less to do with CBP's coaching ability.
With Brian Williams, I think it's more to do with the fact that he came in as an inexperienced fatboy (seriously, think about his physical transformation from his freshman year to now) and is now more healthy than he probably has been his entire life. That kind of change can be difficult to adjust to, especially when you haven't played basketball your entire life. I also think Brian has a bit of the "gentle giant" thing going on. He doesn't throw his body around like you'd expect a dude his size to, almost like he doesn't want to hurt anybody, and you can't coach aggression.
halloffamebowler writes:
Hopson,a one and done recruit.He will be a four and completely done if he continues to play like he has.
cdonsbach writes:
I totally agree, Plas.
VOLoom writes:
I didn't think we looked too awfully bad out there tonight. Will that beat Memphis or Kansas or Kentuck? No. But we weren't playing them tonight, luckily. However,that level of play would beat most of the SEC teams we play from what I've seen. The leaders that come to play night after night haven't shown themselves yet. It's like we are too unselfish with the ball sometimes. I've said some unkind things about JP on here before so I'll balance that a bit now. Good game JP.
TnScooby writes:
Let's see...Team leader in scoring (13.9 ppg), FG% 50.6, 3PT FG% 51.4, 4.0 RPG and only 25 minutes played per game...Exactly what is your point????
dlobh writes:
Attended this game at the Sommet Center. Good thing J.P. and Bobby Maze played well. Didn't get good games from Chism, Tyler, or Hopson but still won comfortably. That's the sign of depth, which should server the Vols well in the future. They also seem to be playing better defense than last year.
On another point, Vandy played Western Kentucky in the 2nd game at the Sommet. Funny thing is, though the game was in Nashville, Vandy had practically no fans at the game. There were many more fans for the other 3 teams than for Vandy. And WKU knocked off the Dores. Hah!!!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, tonight he was 0-3 from the field for one total point. That is not a stat line for a guy who might be a pro next year. Also, I think he has only about three, maybe four, double-figure scoring games all year so far. He burned it up against two nobody teams in our first two games and has hardly shown up since. I think he has talent, but, as some other posters have said, he has to learn to bring it every night if he is to be the star everybody thought he was.
Which brings me to another topic. JP brought it tonight. I have given him a hard time on several occasions already this season. Now I want to see him do it again, and again, and again. The pros, either in the US or anywhere else, can't use a guy who only puts out once every ten games or so. The way he played tonight makes the way he has(n't) played the rest of the year even more mystifying.
So far, there is not one guy on this team who has shown me that he is anywhere near ready for pro ball. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary for a guy to be an ultimate super-star to make a nice living playing pro ball, especially overseas, but there has to be some LEVEL of performance that anyone who is going to PAY somebody to play ball has a right to expect from from a ball player. I will give the team a certain amount of slack for being rusty and playing against an opponent whose season would be made by beating the Vols. That said, they didn't look NEARLY ready to show up for a game like UK-UConn last night. I expected more from this team, but maybe I'm expecting too much.
On second thought, maybe I AM expecting too much. They won by more than 20, played pretty good defense on all but one MTSU guy, and showed their depth by winning without major contributions from the team's "stars". Hopefully, they can raise their overall level of play when the competition gets better, but I also hope they don't fall into the "we can turn it on when we want to" mentality.
Sorry for the length; I was just waiting until I got sleepy enough to go to bed. Good night, Orange Nation!
utfan15govols writes:
I was at the game. I will admit it was a slow start, but look at the last time we played an actual game! They had a long break in between the games and it was finals week for them. To me, the grades are more important. I was concerned about Prince at first, he was sloppy, but he made up for it later. Scotty didn't play much, I mean on the court. I think he was trying to hard because he had a lot of people from Hoptown (his hometown) there. But funny thing before I knew it we were up by 20. I think we will come together soon.
mytrifecta writes:
I don't think it's a coaching issue. At some point the player has to step up. As Yogi says, half the game is 90% mental. Hopson clearly has the ability. He just hasn't shown the ability to perform against equal talent or in big games. Maybe he should spend some time with Crompton for pointers on performing under pressure...Jon finally figured it out.
rclarkfork#639958 writes:
Very good defensive effort and that is what will make or break this team. There are a number of players who can break out and have a good game offensively and that just makes them more dangerous. You certainly can't say if I stop one particular guy it will disrupt the team. I have seen a team that was uninspired last season on the defensive end turn into a team that is giving a good effort every game. We are complaining when they win by twenty. One team beat us and look at what that team is doing to some other pretty good teams. When we go out and get beat because of lack of effort then tell me something is wrong until then, it's sure as hell nice to see the defensive effort this team brings night in and night out. If they continue to do that, they will be in every ball game and if they do that, it will be a very good year.
txvolsfan writes:
Brian Williams is light years ahead of where he was when he started with us and about 100 lbs. lighter. Hopson is improving also.
Your take was terrible, do you know anything about basketball?
thevoice writes:
Sort of agree. But CBP is the CEO of the basketball program and responsible for everything from high school recruiting to the last loss in the NCAA tourny. My concern has always been that his recruiting is suspect, bringing in players that aren't all that coachable. I'm not sure if it's lack of desire/effort, on/off court intelligence, talent, or what. But our players are different than those recruited at UF, UK, UNC, Kansas, etc. I agree there's not much development of our players. And I contend that CBP had his greatest success with players he didn't recruit. So, I believe it all goes back to getting the right kids in the program.
iowavol writes:
What CBP did at UWM was nothing short of amazing. What he has done at UT is miraculous. Brian Williams is playing so much better, showing signs of domination while still showing he hasn't been playing bb all that long. Great to see JP play his game - and score off driving to the right - I haven't seen that from him in a year. The announcer last night was right, Scotty has got to work harder getting in position and then let his natural ability to either stick it or drive take over. He seems to be thinking too much with the ball in his hands and then gets down on himself. His 3's last night were an inch off and his defense was good. Skylar looked to be lost last night - bad defense and missed wide open shots.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Thanks Scooby for setting it straight;He's leading the team in scoring;is working on taking the ball to the hoop and is rebounding well for a guard;For a SOPHOMORE thats not bad considering all the other scoring threats he plays with. This game he just didn't get into the flow of things; thats how games are sometimes..Once he gets his consistency down he will be a complete shooting guard
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Pearl knew Williams was a project when he signed him;This year he will improve his ball handling skills and is learning to expect a pass coming at anytime(which is the reason for his turnovers) Skylar is a guy who would start at a mid major but chose to walk on; right now he's a little over his head; him getting this much playing time is a tribute to him for busting his butt to bring his game to SEC level
halloffamebowler writes:
The point is,he will be 4 years and done with his play.He has done absolutely nothing to indicate he is even remotely close to the next level.
BubbaJ writes:
Sadly neither Scottie or Tyler are playing up to
their potential. Looks like those two play down to their opponents. Both have the ability, and
have shown us all flashes of stardom at times. I
can't understand why the off nights? Not sure Pearl pushes his more experienced players, but
given what he claims to have done with JP last night, not sure.
As for Brian Williams, he's no star, but is improved from his early days. A good role player at this point. Also think Cameron Tatum has
improved, and will really help this team on nights when either Scottie or JP are not at their
best. Chism, well he just needs to be consistant.
Agree with TDTN, it's early in the season. This team has a couple of months to put it together.
Hope they can.
Ironcity writes:
Brian has lost weight and his body fat has dropped dramatically. His game continues to improve and anybody with any understanding of the game can see that. Pete, why do you get on this board? You offer nothing but BS. Stick to your Gators. By the way, do they ever shot anything but threes?
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Tatum is, IMHO, the most improved of all the Vols so far. He looks better in every phase of the game than he did at any point last year. If Scotty can perform at the same level, and if both do it every night, the team could really make some noise this year. I'm not as worried about Tyler and Wayne. I think Tyler is too unselfish sometimes and Wayne still needs to be more careful about committing the silly fouls, but I do think both will step up when it all gets serious. Wayne actually played pretty well tonight except, again, for the silly fouls. I also hope we don't have to wait ANOTHER nine games for JP to show up again.
Ironcity writes:
Did we win? If we did it must have been barely by the tone of most of these posts. I did not see the game, but after reading a lot these posts it must have been a nail biter. I guess its good when you can win by 20 never trail and everyone is concerned about our guys.
The only concern I have is I don't see enough creators on this team. We don't have any players who can get there shots when they want them, especially from the three line.
dburgvet writes:
Good point and seems to be a consistent thought the last two years. Remember before bruce came we were no where on the map or in the conversation about NCAA basketball brackets etc. Two things come to mind about our current state. Bruce took transfers to help build depth which can be detrimental at times in the likes of JP and Tyler not playing to their potential at crucial times. At least now we are on the page with top recruits like Tobias Harris and Pinkston. When Bruce inked Hopson the building block was being laid for the foundation for championship type teams. All the talk of one and done for Hopson went out the window when everyone saw his high arching shot. We must also remember that Bruce went through a divorce and remarriage in the last two years which would cloud anybodies thoughts for a while. He seems more focused and involved now; much more like the first year he was here. In my humble opinion, we now have a chance to win every game we play a feeling I have not had since the 1984 - 1985 season. Bruce has always been quick to dismiss problematic players which keeps our program above board not like Calipari who carries an eraser around with him so there is no evidence that he ever coached at said institution!
rbromley7#241642 writes:
Most comments indicate a stunningly superficial knowledge of what actually goes on with the team at practic/game that it's almost embarrassing to read the comments. Memphis/Kansas will provide the real answer to the team being good, over-rated and undercoached. I hope we will be closer to the head table as the wedding approaches.
tennrich1 writes:
Really, precious few dribble penetration and pull up for the midrange shot anymore.....Tyler still does on occassion but in times past great players made their living doing it...to me, there's no prettier move in basketball....
tennrich1 writes:
I agree......its a new day folks...we're playing for Feb. and March now...not trying to get into the NIT...let's just wait and see what happens.... hopefully we are getting better....I also agree that a lot of comments on here are made out of ignorance or emotion....enjoy the ride...and its fun to have ....trollers i think they are called...on here making silly remarks about our team...think they did that when we were of no significants....remember we're a football school were mens basketball now matters.....
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Sorry, didn't mean to ruffle your feathers. I am not a coach now but I didn't know I had to be a coach in order to express an opinion. I have coached teenagers and I tried to coach them to give 100% each game.
1. Brian Williams is much better than two yrs. ago. Not playing any better than last yr.
2. Hopson has an improved shot, granted, but he is not playing like a McDonalds All-American. That's what my post said. Do you think he's playing as well as Wall, Cousins, Doneal Mack, Bledsoe, etc., etc. If you do, then you don't know much about basketball.
Plasticman writes:
I agree. I like the fact we don't depend on one player, much less 2 or 3 players. We have 5 or 6 guys that can have break-out games at any time. I think this team has as much talent as any SEC team this side of KY and we should see eome fantastic games with KY this year. I still say potential Elite 8 team , especially when 3 or 4 players put it all together on the same night.
Plasticman writes:
You are the only fraud and joke I know that has anything to do with TN Basketball. I would consider both Goins and McBee NEW players that arre of "consequence". Again, you don't know what you're talking about and everyone on this baord besides your wife, Morristown Vol would agree.Do I get a second to that???
VolJunkie writes:
21 point win a against a team we were supposed to beat. Enough said. Next.
Go Vols!
tennrich1 writes:
I must ask again....WHY WHY WHY would anyone respond to these guys that make comments steeped in desires to run down our team....WHY would you do that?????It's totally fruitless and has NOTHING to do with what we are trying to accomplish....A MASSIVE WASTE OF OUR TIME BUT APPARENTLY NOT THEIRS....
muletownvol writes:
I was at the game and Scotty looked lazy. Agree that Brian Williams has improved. I was expecting Williams to be the lazy one, not Hopson.
Still thought they played well considering the opponent but they will need to improve their intensity in the next couple of weeks.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
That move you mention is the most impressive thing I have seen out of UK's John Wall. As quick as he is, he still knows how to dribble toward the basket, stab that foot on the floor, and rise straight up for the 12-15 footer. That shot is almost a lost art in the game today. Everybody seems to want to either shoot the three or take it all the way to the rim. To me, that is taking away at least a third of a guy's potential offense. Furthermore, knowing a guy can do that means the defense can't just sell out on either the 3-pointer or the drive, and it keeps the offensive guy under better control so he can pass out to the side if necessary without committing the out-of-control charge afterward.
tennrich1 writes:
Yeah, you're right...the 3 ball has basically taken it away....reasoning "I can shoot a couple of feet back for three or take it to the hole, look impressive doing it and maybe draw a foul in the process...Dale Ellis was probably the best we every had at doing it but of course there was no 3 ball at the time....
VOLKING writes:
PETE-BELL(formerly VOICE OF REASON) and MORRISTOWN are both INTERLOPERS trying to stir the pot, folks. Neither are TN fans and both hate Pearl with a passion. It is their only recreation to come onto a rival website and bash the head coach. It is their only reason for living. They are immature jerks who have nothing positive to say about anything and then ridicule those who disagree with them (which is 99% of all on this site. The 1% is the wife of one of the posters) Anyway, interlopers, as long as you are on here, it means Pearl is doing something right. So, keep on posting. Then, stick your fingers in a light socket.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
can anyone tell me what's goin on with Hall? I don't think he touched the floor the last 2 games, even when the walk-ons had mop-up duty. Is he hurt? I saw him on the bench.
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
plus, "one and done" means playing one year and go to the NBA.....Scotty is a sophomore...right?? So how can the "one and done" thing apply to Scotty??
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
That's why I have decided to ignore them and not even respond because they aren't worth my time..I responded to one post tonite, and I was just merely asking a question.
bobbytodd writes:
Well his stats have declined quickly and he can disappear in games. He's young but I don't see 1st rounder on him even after 4 years. I love the D and the transition game but until we get someone to drive the ball and dump it to Chism down low or kick it out for an open 3 we will struggle against good teams. Kicking it out to Hopson would really help him. He has a touch but its hard for anybody try to make a living trying to create your own shot.
VOLKING writes:
Here is my debate....your utter hatred of Pearl is obvious. It clouds your judgement...and , thusly, you can't be taken seriously. VOR, you have always been the grumpy old man on here and you are not fooling anyone by changing your screenname. I AM in the majority when I say leave the board like you promised....otherwise keep your yap shut.
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