The scouting report on Melvin Goins has expanded.
Opponents knew Tennessee's back-up point guard is a lock-down defender. But there may be more to the story after the junior-college transfer scored 11 points in 20 minutes against Vanderbilt on Tuesday night.
Goins was 4-of-9 from the field in matching his UT career high.
"My offensive strength is getting into the lane, penetrating,'' Goins said Thursday. "That's something I was shying away from, but these last couple of games I've been trying to get back to playing my game.''
Goins said he tries to bring a spark off the bench when he replaces starter Bobby Maze. His next opportunity to do so is at No. 3 Kentucky on Saturday (TV: ESPN, 9 p.m.).
"Coach ( Bruce Pearl) has been telling me to not be timid,'' Goins said, "just play your game, get in the lane and create, for others and for yourself.''
Goins scored in double figures three times prior to the Jan. 1 incident in which he and three teammates were disciplined.
Since returning from the four-game suspension, he has been contributing in a variety of ways.
He had three steals against Florida, then eight rebounds at LSU. Since his return he has 10 assists versus one turnover.
And then in the 90-71 loss at Vandy, he looked to score.
"Only certain guys can make tough twos,'' Pearl said. "Only certain guys can get in the lane, in traffic, and make a tough shot. We need guys like that.''
Goins is generously listed at 5-foot-11, but nobody doubts his listed weight, 195 pounds. His upper-body physique would show well at Muscle Beach.
Goins says it's a combination of genes - both parents are stocky - and hard work in the weight room.
"With his strength and quickness, athletically, he doesn't get overwhelmed by anybody,'' Pearl said.
Not even Kentucky freshman phenom John Wall? That's one of the plot lines Saturday night.
"It's a big challenge and a blessing at the same time,'' Goins said.
"It's always a blessing just to be on the same court as those caliber players just to see where you're going to stand.''
Tale of Two Ankles: Wayne Chism did not practice Thursday to rest a sprained ankle he suffered at Vanderbilt.
"We did not know he hurt it at the time,'' Pearl said. "He had the tape on so tight he didn't experience any pain or swelling until after the game.
"He took his shoe off and the thing just blew up on him.''
Pearl expects Chism to play at Kentucky.
Cameron Tatum, however, will miss a second consecutive game due to the ankle he sprained against South Carolina. Pearl said Tatum could be back next week.
King Visits: Bernard King attended practice Thursday. The ex-Vol great spoke briefly to the team afterward, informing them Tennessee "doesn't lose to Kentucky.'' King was 5-1 against the Wildcats, the only loss in his freshman season in Lexington.
Hoops for Haiti: The UT athletic department will be raising money for the Haitian earthquake relief effort at two upcoming home games.
Fans can donate at the Lady Vols' game with Florida on Sunday and at the UT men's game against Kentucky on Feb. 27.
UT's new $45 million football…
Images from Larry Murphy's book on…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 14
lomas98 writes:
No Tatum, injured Chism, playing one of the best teams in the country at Rupp. Nobody will give TN a chance to even stay close. I would love to come out with a victory but more importanly I just want them to start playing better. I know they can. There are some important games coming up to determine either 2nd place finish in the east or a 5th.
volsn3 writes:
Goins needs to just playball and keep his mouth shut. He still has a lot to make up for. I just hope that he can keep his nose clean the rest of his career in Knoxville. I want to see him penetrate more also. UT can play with the Cats as long as they take care of the ball. If they are not going to run and gun then I would like to see the best seven on the floor the most. It sure works for DUKE.I watched that whole game last night. You can still play 8, 9, or even 10 players but the best seven needs to get the most time. Coach K told ESPN that his best would play up to 40 minutes a game. I agree
rclarkfork#639958 writes:
Well if you agree, that must be the right way.
bobbytodd writes:
So when they ask him a question he still needs to keep his mouth shut? I think maybe it is yours that could stay closed.
It was nice how you basically told him to shut up and then told him how to play. Maybe Bruce can put a seat on the bench for you to become his life coach.
johnnyvol writes:
Hope for the best,but expect the worst at Rupp!
volsn3 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
volntx writes:
Driving to the basket is great if you are a good free throw shooter, Goins is not.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
suit up Bernie and let him go!!!
eb502us#225637 writes:
Other than the last game, Goins has been a huge disapointment.
If his strenght on offense is penetration, I haven't seen it and still question his point guard skills.
Perhaps he just needed alittle time to adjust but the jury is still out.
Playing good defense will only get you so far at his position.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I agree with most that the Vols' best chance at UK is to slow down the tempo. A fast tempo favors UK every way going. They prefer to play that way and it gives them more opportunity for their depth to be decisive. Some of their younger players especially would be frustrated if they can't run. A slower tempo would also allow UT to play their best players more minutes for longer stretches. Of course, it becomes even more imperative that Chism and Hall avoid early foul trouble. All the stars have to align properly for the Vols to have a real chance in this game, almost no matter what strategic approach they employ.
samvol writes:
Go Vols!!!!
VOLinCO writes:
The sea was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli
james#216392 writes:
I have said this all year. Play 8 players. Watch KY (and we will get to watch I'm afraid). Wall plays 35 minutes. Paterson and Bledsoe play 32 or so. Cousins gets in foul trouble so he don't count. Teams won for years playing the starters 90% of the time. We don't press and we get three minute breaks every 4 minutes played. 8 guys are plenty. Drop Pearl, Skyer and Williams. Hopson was great when he played 35 minutes.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Goins is out of time;you either have the goods or you don't...I would like nothing better than for Goins to have a great game but my money is on Maze; who has 3 or more 20 point games and 1 SEC player of the week performances
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.