Scotty Hopson has heard himself described too often this season with a word he doesn't like: "Soft.''
So the Vols freshman guard stepped up and did something about it Saturday night against South Carolina.
Now it's time for Hopson and the Vols (11-5, 2-1 SEC) to prove they can do it on the road against Vanderbilt (12-5, 1-2). UT tips off against the Commodores at 9 p.m. Tuesday (TV: ESPN).
Saturday night, Hopson drove past - and sometimes over - the Gamecocks' extended defenders en route to a career-high 19 points.
"If we're gonna win, I'm gonna need to step up,'' said Hopson, who was 7-of-12 shooting from the field (0-for-3 beyond the 3-point arc) and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. "When (South Carolina) spread out, we just had that quick step to get by the defender.''
Hopson's first step is as fast as they come. He built his McDonald's All-American high school career at Hopkinsville's University Heights with explosive drives to the basket and thunderous dunks in the Bluegrass State.
UT coach Bruce Pearl, however, noted last week on the News Sentinel's Sports Page radio show that when help defense would come, Hopson would pick up his dribble and settle for a "tough two.''
That led Pearl to tell Hopson that if he didn't have a charge each game, he wasn't playing aggressive enough.
"When I make those aggressive plays, I just need to get that foul called,'' Hopson said, smiling when asked about his season-high five free-throw attempts in the win over South Carolina. "It shows what I need to do and what I can do.''
UT sophomore center Brian "Big Baby'' Williams said when Hopson and/or Cameron Tatum are scoring, it makes things easier for Tyler Smith.
"I told Scotty to drive, and with his agility and athleticism, he can score and dunk,'' Williams said. "The biggest part of our offense other than Tyler is our (No.) two guards.
"If Cam or Scotty are scoring, that opens things up for Tyler around the basket.''
That's what happened against South Carolina.
When the Gamecocks extended on Hopson, Smith seized the moment and scored 10 of his 20 points in the final five minutes.
Pearl credited Hopson for keeping a strong attitude through the team's struggles.
"Scotty's attitude has been consistently solid,'' Pearl said. "This has been a grind, and yet, Scotty's attitude has never wavered, his facial expression never changed.
"He has a quiet confidence, and I don't think he gets rattled.''
Hopson admits the adjustment to collegiate basketball has been different than he expected.
"It's been a lot tougher than I expected,'' Hopson said. "But Bruce Pearl is a helluva coach, and he's made me better.
"I just need to start living up to what I'm supposed to be like and play basketball.''
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Vanderbilt 65, Tennessee 47, Jan. 24…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 24
King53 writes:
let's hope he continues his breakout on tues night at that messed up gym in Nashville
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Good job, youngster! Now take that new-found confidence with you to Vandy and get us a win against the 'Dores!
volcycle writes:
Just happened to think....(I know that's dangerous) in past years Tennessee has peaked too early in the season. Maybe, just maybe, we have yet to peak. That's being positive isn't it? Keep working guys!!!!
Waldorf writes:
"Scotty's attitude has been consistently solid,'' Pearl said. "This has been a grind, and yet, Scotty's attitude has never wavered, his facial expression never changed.
"He has a quiet confidence, and I don't think he gets rattled.
--------
Apparently Pearl and I are watching different games because I've watched on more than one occasional where Mr. One-and-done had a perplexed and crybaby look on his face.
If he can play two solid games in a row, maybe I'll actually start to believe he's legit. I'm still skeptical in him and this team in general.
thevoice writes:
Glad you see the big picture Scotty and recognize your contribution, past and present. You're a great talent, now go do what we thought you could do all along.
sayhitomaggie writes:
That's exactly what I've been thinking (or more like hoping) that the Vols are struggling this early on not only because they are a young team but because they haven't peaked and reached their full potential. Hopefully, this happens in March and they can pull through and maybe even make it past the sweet 16 this year (*fingers crossed*).
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Works for me! Seriously, there were some good things in the SC game, Scotty's emergence not the least of them. Brian did well in extended minutes. Maze had a solid game in most respects. Tyler took over when he had to. We got nothing out of Wayne and still controlled the inside. We pretty much contained SC's quick guards. The loss of composure over the last eight minutes shows we still have a good way to go to be good enough to go deep in EITHER the SEC or NCAA tourneys.
MNP78 writes:
1st. Time to grow up Mr. Hopson, Saturday was your first step, it is now time to play defense with 100% effort and be the scorer and game changer we were all told that you were. GO VOLS
utucla writes:
I would really like to believe that this team will get better as the season goes on, but until I see consistent lock down defense in the half court and chaotic full court pressure this team will continue to struggle. If UT cannot make a living off defensive turnovers then they will not be able to get their running game going. That means they have to rely on their half court offense...and that spells trouble. We'll see if Hopson can be consistent in picking up his play. (And also pray that Chism finds his brain)
Ironcity writes:
I would say he has lacked confidence on a number of occasions but that does not reflect his attitude. Its hard for these kids who have dominated their entire lives to just get chewed up and spit out. The great ones respond, lets hope Scotty is starting to respond.
Gigavol writes:
Pearl is swell.
halloffamebowler writes:
Scotty will make or break this team.As he goes,so goes the team.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Gosh, that WOULD be a scary thought! Despite the collapse at the end, I did see some good things in the SC game. The Vandy game will go far in determining whether the team is actually progressing.
rockytop4ever writes:
Good game for Scotty. This is what we all expected when he signed on. He needs to take it to the basket more and get to the line. The only thing that bugs me about him is that high arching shot. I wish he would flatten it out but whatever works for him. We still almost let them back into on Saturday. We need to play a complete game, win or lose.
dirtdobber1 writes:
South Carolina coach didnt acknowledge Pearl after the game. It was less than a Bilicheck shake. I will be cheering for SC to lose the rest of their games! F Horn!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, his outside shot was never really the strongest part of his game. The ideal arc for a shot to go in the basket is arguably straight down, as in a dunk! Seriously, it is probably closer to 45 degrees, but better more arc than less, IMHO.
richvol writes:
Glad to see Hopson own up to his lack of inspired play. Now let's see if he goes on to consistantly playing up to his potential or follows in Chism's footsteps and is all over the page...great one night and completely invisible the next. And don't blame the refs...good players don't get themselves into the mess he does every other game.
Brian Williams finally showed me something. He looked quicker and more determined to score. We still need to get Negedu minutes however. He has tremendous abilities and can be a real star in the SEC.
I notice a big difference in the approach that Pat takes in correcting mistakes and foolish play compared to Pearl. Frankly,I think her immediate arse chewing on the sidelines during timeouts is much more effective than Pearl's ignoring of bonehead plays until later (I assume he talks about it later in practice). So many times I have seen Pearl's players walk off the floor after a ridiculous decision without a word being spoken to them. You have to get these kids attention immediately or you just keep getting the same ole same ole and there's too much of that going on.
overatedvols writes:
"Hopson picks perfect time to step up"
Wonder why the rest of the team is stepping down?
5 days!
doctorfingervol writes:
Pearl's squad of poon tangs need to continue to step it up or it is going to be a very long remainder to the season.
Ironcity writes:
Your right about that shot. It shouldn't bother me but it does. He can bring rain with that shot.
volmattna writes:
Big win Vols! We need to build on this game. And just keep getting better. we have a tough stretch coming up. And need Hopson and all guards to step it up. Lets go Vols lets beat the nerdadores and pack the house for memphis! Lets have Thompson bolling Rocking!! GO VOLS!!!!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, I don't think either of them is as consistent about chewing out players or not as you suggest. I have seen both jump in players' faces on the sidelines and both appear to let bad play go at times. There are lots of reasons why this might be so. For example, there is a difference between failing to execute, e.g., missing a shot, or just being dumb, e.g., losing your man on defense. It matters whether or not the player him/herself realizes a mistake is made. Then there is the fact that players respond to different kinds of correction or motivation, er, differently. As I said on another thread, some players respond better to having their backs patted, others to having their butts kicked. Generally, I agree that immediate action is better, but, especially with young players, there is a fine line between providing what the coach may see as motivation or correction and breaking a player's confidence. Many players today especially do not respond well to being dressed down in public. All of the above is part of the art of coaching, IMHO.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
some of your folks go out of your way to find anything you can be negative about----the only thing about a shot worth commenting on is how it ends up--in the hole or not is all that matters and with all due respect you guys should be able to find more significant issues to be distressed over if compelled to be negative
THE_VOL writes:
Another poser that listens to talking heads too much. Which do you prefer? An offense you OBVIOUSLY do not understand that average 80+ ppg or one from just a few years ago that set picks, moved without the ball, went inside out and averaged 65? Better yet do you prefer 25 wins per year or 15? So far your ONLY accurate statement was your last one!
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