Tennessee's basketball team has only completed two exhibition games, against Division II teams at that, but coach Bruce Pearl is sure of one thing.
"We're better at every position,'' Pearl said after reviewing tape of UT's 97-58 win over Lincoln Memorial. "You can go right on down the line and see improvement.''
Top to bottom, the fifth version of Pearl's Vols appears to be the most talented. Tennessee opens the regular season at 9 p.m. Friday at Thompson-Boling Arena against Austin Peay.
The Vols' improvement doesn't necessarily translate into more victories or a deeper tournament run.
Not with the SEC looking tougher than it has in years, to the point that more than one coach has projected at least seven league teams getting NCAA tournament invitations.
The other issue is how well the team gels. Basketball is choreographed: it's not just about the talent, it's also about how smoothly the pieces move together.
Finally, there's an unspoken hierarchy that must be determined.
In the Vols' SEC championship season of two years ago, there was a clear pecking order for shots most trips down the floor: Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith, Tyler Smith, Wayne Chism and Ramar Smith. At times, depending on the situation, the order shuffled.
But for the most part, UT fans could almost close their eyes and see what was going to happen before it played out.
Now? It's still anybody's guess, though senior Tyler Smith is the unquestioned leader.
Here's a position by position look at the Vols:
Post
Chism has become one of the best post defenders in the nation, according to Pearl. Chism got off to a slow start scoring in the paint in the exhibitions, however, hitting only .389 from the floor. The good news is he was 2-of-4 beyond the 3-point arc. Freshman Kenny Hall has provided a lift, making nine of 11 shots (.818) and showing great production on the boards. Brian Williams has picked up his level of intensity as the competition for minutes has increased.
Power forward
Smith has a stranglehold on this position, and it appears he has increased his court awareness. Smith has worked to refine his 3-point shot, yet in the exhibition games he still appeared reluctant to take it. Chism will get more minutes here with Hall and Williams playing in the post. Pearl likes the versatility at this position and plans to play Renaldo Woolridge and Steven Pearl minutes inside, as well.
Small forward
Senior J.P. Prince is the projected starter, as he's done nothing to lose his job in the preseason. Prince has hustled to lead the team with five steals, and he's hit eight of 11 free throws. Cameron Tatum will log the majority of the minutes he gets at this position. Tatum has struggled in the exhibitions (0-for-3 on 3-point attempts, three assists, seven turnovers), but his strong practices have his coaches standing firmly behind him. Woolridge will also get minutes here; to this point, Woolridge has been hampered by an injured wrist. Smith also looks to get playing time here, depending on the opponent.
Shooting guard
Without question, the most improved position on the team. Scotty Hopson has come back for his sophomore season leaner and meaner, connecting on 15 of 19 shots from the floor and six of eight beyond the 3-point arc. Hopson could get a few more rebounds and improve his assist/turnover ratio. Walk-on Skylar McBee adds a dimension with his 3-point shooting (6-for-12), and Pearl said he's holding up in other facets. Tatum can also log minutes here.
Point guard
Senior Bobby Maze said he's more comfortable when the Vols play up-tempo, and so far he has proven that. Maze has 13 assists and four turnovers through the exhibitions, but he needs to improve his 3-point shooting (1-for- 5). Juco transfer Melvin Goins looks strong defensively but is not yet comfortable getting his shot. Goins is expected to improve as he continues to rehabilitate his knee after arthroscopic surgery last month. Maze and Goins need to improve for the press to be effective.
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Comments » 14
All_Vol writes:
Sweet Sixteen???
bspurlingcac#225603 writes:
It is great the SEC is better. It will make the Vols better in the post season. Go Vols!!!
oldsmokey67 writes:
what i like about a up tempo offense is the point guard will drive through the lane and dish it out for a three pointer.and the way we are hitting three's will open up the paint.Maybe cam tatum wil get out of his slump and start knocking them down.Go VOLS!!!!!!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
As always, the play of the PGs will be critical for the success of the team, both offensively and defensively. If Maze and Goins can get it done, the sky is the limit for this team; if not, we will all be disappointed again in March.
KINGKONG writes:
What happened to the point guard? I beleive his name was West.He had some issues with ncaa.
wayoutwill writes:
If the Vols don't make the final four,this season will be a major disappointment!
CleverUserNameVol writes:
The way most Vol fans operate, if they don't win EVERY game by at least 30 points, the season will be a major disappointment...and even then they'd find 15 things to b*tch about.
NashvilleVolsincebirth writes:
That would be nice to see us go that far but to predict it would be a major dissapointment for a team that has never gone that far is a stretch. Tyler would be dissapointed but I would still be excited overall if we actually made the great 8 but not the final four. Sure I want to see the BO make it all the way and maybe this is as good a chance as any. With point guard being more important than you realize, we are a year or two away from having a complete team. Maze might get it done yet. Competition for starting time against another pg with some skill, like we think we see now, is going to help. It looks like we are very solid and KY is too. It should be a good year if they can play up to expectations and bring the SEC that much needed attention in the polls, then we need to win at least one before the tourney against them.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I guess you are exaggerating to make a point, but I don't think Vol fans are as demanding and hard to please as you suggest. I do expect this to be one of CBP's best teams yet, but I surely don't EXPECT a Final Four. I think it's doable, but, as others have said, we haven't even made a Great Eight yet. Most of us, IMHO, would consider that quite a step forward for the program.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
I totally agree with you about this being one his best teams. And, I remember the Buzz Peterson days quite well, so I'm happy with just going to the tourney. But as far as Vol fans being demanding and hard to please; do you actually read the posts on this message board? I'd say it would be difficult to find a more fickle and just plain ill-tempered fan base. I used to actually make an attempt to weigh in with constructive posts, but I learned my lesson quick. You don't believe me, look up AVoiceOfReason and MorristownVol and let me know what you think.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
I rest my case.
VOLKING writes:
My friend, Morristown's idiocy often makes everyone's case. But, alas, he is an interloper posing as a Vol fan, so he doesn't count. I know what you're saying, however. If we win the National Championship in every sport, there would be some idiot saying how we got lucky or how bad our coaches/players are.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
As a former player and coach who has followed the Vols since the Gene Tormohlen days, I read every basketball article and post. With the exception of the two you mentioned, the majority of posters are largely positive about CBP and his program. I have had some criticisms in the past, particularly with regard to the apparent lack of a reliable half-court offense, substitution patterns, and some questionable in-game coaching moves or lack of same, but I am generally a great fan of CBP and all he has accomplished here.
My general impression of posters is that well over half are unabashed and rather uncritical fans, about a third are fans with some occasional questions, and only about 10% mostly or entirely critical--not counting interlopers, of course. My advice is to simply ignore MorristownVol, take AVOR with a grain of salt while ignoring his bad manners, and take the others as you find them. The rest of us will always welcome any substantive comment on the Vols, whether we agree with you in every detail or not.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
That, sir, is a voice of reason. It's nice to see that some people still have some sense. Thank you.
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