Working out works for UT in first team workout

Tennessee sophomore Scotty Hopson didn't hesitate to answer when asked what a difference a year makes in the men's basketball program.

"Remember last year after the first workout?'' Hopson said Friday. "We were all laying out on our backs on the floor, man.''

This time, Hopson was calling for balls as he swished continuous 3-pointers from the corner after the Vols' first team workout at Pratt Pavilion.

"A year in the weight room has made a big difference for me,'' Hopson said. "I'm a lot more equipped to handle this.''

Suffice it to say, the same holds true for all of the returning players, three of whom were true freshman last season.

UT coach Bruce Pearl worked the team for an hour, with all drills running the length of the floor and focused on improving defense. The Vols are allowed only two hours of practice per week until Oct. 16 when the 20-hour practice rule takes effect. Friday was the first day they could practice as a team.

"To have your first practice and not have one offensive drill, that's the best way I can make a statement on what our emphasis will be,'' said Pearl, who earlier this week announced the Vols are returning to the "Controlled Chaos" press he utilized his first three years on the job.

"The tempo of practice was really up, as we went from drill to drill faster,'' he said. "We worked the press; we worked on communicating early, communicating loud and communicating continuously.''

Pearl said he worked 15 players equally through the drills.

"We could have a 10-man rotation, or it could be nine this season,'' Pearl said. "I'll tell you this: we have more competition for playing time and positions than we've ever had.''

Hopson, who is projected to start at shooting guard, said he's ready for the season to start right now.

"My experience and confidence is big after getting that first year under my belt,'' Hopson said. "I understand how to push myself and how to lead as well as follow.''

Hopson averaged 9.2 points per game last season but showed flashes of brilliance throughout, scoring 20 points in a win over Florida and 21 in the loss to Mississippi State in the SEC tournament title game.

Hopson hit 35.7 percent of his 3-pointers last season, but he's expected to make more than 40 percent of his treys this year with the improvement in his conditioning and the adjustment he's made on the arc of his shot.