Deeper Vols are better, but so is the SEC

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.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!