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Tennessee Men's Basketball
In a season that stretches from November into March, pre-Christmas basketball easily is forgotten. Fortunately for Tennessee, the NCAA tournament selection committee didn’t forget.
Now, the Vols could benefit from a good memory of their own. Recapturing their early-season magic is their only hope of making a dent in the NCAA tournament.
The bracket isn’t encouraging. As a ninth seed, the Vols will play a first-round game against eighth-seeded Michigan. A victory likely would reward them with a second-round matchup against No. 1 seed Duke in Charlotte, N.C.
Popular thinking: No way they can beat Duke.
Counterpoint: And there was no way they could beat Pittsburgh, which also was honored with a No. 1 seed Sunday.
The Panthers were ranked No. 3 in the country when the Vols upset them 83-76 in Pittsburgh on Dec. 11. That was the high mark of UT’s 7-0 start, which included a victory over then-seventh-ranked Villanova.
Because of that, the Vols can say things like leading-scorer Scotty Hopson did Sunday with a straight face: “Our goal is to win the national championship.”
The goal didn’t sound so outlandish in the first quarter of the season, when the Vols won six consecutive games against Belmont, Missouri State, Virginia Commonwealth, Villanova, Middle Tennessee State and Pittsburgh. Five of those teams have won 21 or more games. Four of them are in the NCAA tournament.
It was a promising beginning for a program that reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament last March. It also was terribly misleading.
The rest of the season has provided only a few reminders of the heady start. The Vols beat Memphis by 20 points. They won back-to-back games against Vanderbilt and Georgia. But they rarely have sustained excellence for more than a half.
So what’s the difference in the team that couldn’t lose before mid-December and the one that lost eight of its last 12 games to stumble into the NCAA tournament with a 19-14 record?
Point guard Melvin Goins has an interesting take. In a word, the difference is “excited,” according to him.
“We were real excited about playing,” he said of that early success. “It didn’t matter the opponent. We got up for every game, were excited and played together.”
As for the lackluster SEC finish, Goins said, “I don’t think we got up for some of the games. Obviously, the excitement and the mentality wasn’t the same during some games. And it showed with our play.”
The drop-off in excitement is most apparent when the Vols have the basketball. The offense hinges too much on the play of Tobias Harris and Hopson, and Hopson’s ball-handling deficiencies sometimes negate his scoring.
Cameron Tatum gave UT a third scorer initially when he averaged 12.1 points during UT’s 7-0 start. He has averaged 4.1 points in the past seven games and was replaced in the starting lineup by Josh Bone in Friday’s SEC tournament loss to Florida.
Center Brian Williams cited a couple of lines when asked for the biggest difference between UT’s successful start and lackluster finish.
First, the free-throw line: “We were first in the country in getting to the foul line,” he said. “Now, we’re last in the SEC.”
Then, the 3-point line: “Our 3s were falling (earlier),” he said.
The Vols were at their 3-point best in their finest hour. They made seven of 11 3-point attempts in their upset of Pittsburgh. Contrast that with their last game in which they were 4-for-19 against Florida.
Given UT’s frequent struggles from behind the 3-point arc, its marksmanship against Pittsburgh qualifies as an aberration. Maybe the outcome was as well.
But Pearl said it’s not unrealistic to think the team can regain what it lost in mid-December.
Goins agrees.
“I think our guys will be excited to play in the tournament,” he said.
That’s at least a step in the right direction.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com. Follow him at http://twitter.com/johnadamskns.
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Comments » 38
eb502us#225637 writes:
I don't buy the excitement part because regardless of how they feel, this team lacks talent.
Beyond Harris, Hopson and Williams, we have a bunch of 4 star players that play at a Division II level.
Tatum, Maymon, Woolridge, McRae and Golden etc.... have brought nothing to the table and I don't suspect they will anytime soon.
Hard to win with three players and a couple of former walk-ons.
SouthALVol writes:
Feh! They weren't up for some of the games? Give me a break. Now we expect them to get up for this? They better. IF they get past Michigan, the only hope against Duke is that UT plays at such a different level Duke will play down to UT.
Watching Duke is like watching the Lady Vols. It's a pleasure.
JimmyJoe writes:
I'm afraid we are talking one and done here.... They are just not consistent or mentally tough enough to do any damage in this tournament... Plus they have no shooters... No consistent ball handling...and absolutely no leadership on the floor.... Simple really...
VolinCalif writes:
If we are depending on exciting these players , we are finished. take a look at that picture again. Does that look anything like a group that is excited abut being in the NCAA's tour. Heck no it doesn't. They couldn't care less if they have a chance to show they are a good group or not. Look again and then tell me I'm wrong.
richvol writes:
That photp of Cam Tatum tells it all. If they are fortunate enough to get by Michigan...Duke will embarrass them.
TommyJack writes:
My take is that you can read NOTHING into the photo. Redickluss.
halloffamebowler writes:
This has been the least inspired team of the Pearl era.They seem to be playing for themselves instead of the Orange shirt.They look lost most of the time.
These guys were rated highly when recruited.So much for that.Pearl needs to evalulate better or Coach better.Seems that Harris and Williams are the only players that are consistent.Scotty could be great if he would bring his best game after game.Instead he only plays about half the time.He has limited ball handling skills.At least Pearl and McBee play all out on defense.McBee is a sometimes good scorer.
Look for a loss Friday.Hope not but a sure loss against Duke.Coach K plays to the team strengths while Pearl playes to score from three point land.We are not a three point shooting team.
Smokey_Chow writes:
I actually agree with some of the statements in this article. I think this team is WAY too dependent on excitement. I've watched every game this year and I really have noticed that they feed off excitement.... and that's not just my opinion.
So the real question for me is- Are they actually excited???
This season the vols seems to play right at the level of their opponent, whether UT is better or worse than the other team they will play on their level. I wrote an article on just that- http://www.smokeychow.com/2011/03/vol... - but I'm anxious to see how the Vols feed off the excitement of the Tourny.
One other thing I would agree with is the comment on shooting 3's. THEY STINK.
I wish they would just stop taking 3's. In the game against Florida Friday they went 4 of 17 for 3's..... 4 of 17!!!!
GeneralNeylandsReturn writes:
Tru TJ - you can't even kow when the photo was taken...if anything it looks like a team apprehensive waiting to find out if they are going to get selected.
This team played a tough, tough schedule...one SEC east win away from finishing second in the east, which saw 5 teams get in the tournament...few losses by more than a few points. Some laspes in concentration and intensity were their biggest problems and to be honest some times when the ball just wouldn't fall. But a 9 seed is deserved and the committee recognized their potential.
They may not get past Michigan and likely not past Duke - but if they get hot, they can play with andybody. And if you can't see Brian Williams intensity, well you dont' know much about playing basketball in the post. (not directed at you TJ, but some of the other doomsayers posting around here).
Harris has all the skills and is turning up the leadership with his work effort; and lots not forget he is a freshman. Hopson needs to be more careful with the ball, but the real key is the role players...Hall has to show up and Fields...Bone needs to keep up his defensive intesity...Goins needs to step up and play like he knows he can...and Tatum has to accept he isn't the star and play within himself...McBee, well if some of the others would play with his guts like he played agaist Florida, because he is no Bradshaw, but he played with that attitude, then they could gel...it is new season now. The schedule is even tougher and the task is exceptionally difficult. But let them play before you judge them.
GreeneVol writes:
I have a tough time understanding the mentality of folks that are so quick to gripe and pile on here... So Cam is supposed to be 'excited' about his play and benching of late? I think that judging him and our team by that photo is kinda crummy. A snapshot is just that - it doesn't tell nearly the whole story.
Yeah, like most UT fans, I'm very frustrated about the SEC results. I'm sure the team is disappointed big time. It's not like they want to lose.
But congrats to the men for simply making it to the big dance for a SCHOOL-RECORD SIXTH STRAIGHT TIME! Cam & Vols, just take dead aim, let it fly and do your best.
tennrich1 writes:
A quick review....We have plenty of talent to play with anybody...not even debatable point...If we ignore the fact the NCAA investigation hasn't had a negative impact, we would be disingenuous... Probably more distractions for this team than any I can remember lately...Will we return to the defense, aggressive play helping us get to the charity stripe and smart decisions we saw early in the year and win a game or two in the tourney? Anybodies guess!! I am thrilled we made post season (still remember the NIT days when we were glad to be in it). Hopefully we can put all this behind us soon one way or the other and move on....If BP survives this, I think he only gets better..I think next year we will return to the up tempo style....One thing for sure we should have figured out by now...Pin CBP to the wall and he performs at his best....Hey, novel idea...let's wait and see what happens...Go Vols!
dma38256#264746 writes:
Hard to tell. Watching the selection, most of the teams I saw had the same expression until their teams were announced. Hopefully, that is the case in this photo.....just waiting....
bUTchVFL writes:
If you look at our guys in the picture with this article and compare it to the one at http://www.freep.com/sportsnews?nav=1 you can see the difference in the excitement level. Wishful thinking doesn't change reality. You can't just turn it on when you want to. One and done. GBO!
bUTchVFL writes:
I am a UT alum and was a trainer for the BB team under Wade Houston, and believe me, body language says everything especially when you go 4-7 in your last eleven and crumble in the second half like we have. Again, wishful thinking doesn't change reality. I want them to win more than anyone, and they can. I just don't see a total 180 coming just because it is the tournament. GBO!
GreerVol22 writes:
Guys, in case you hadn't noticed, our coach is not living up to the boy scout oath...
"...To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight."
...and if the coach ain't right, the players ain't right. They have got the talent, its the effort and motivation that will lead to a quick exit.
FlagwriterVol writes:
I have to agree. We finished almost exactly where was expected in the preseason; however, when they got off to a fantastic start, everyone wanted more. Being a true Vol fan makes it hard to watch when things go awry, but I always try to keep in mind that these are young guys who are trying their best to win, not lose.
tmartin writes:
Problem is that all these players are heartless and gutless. Maybe S Pearl and Williams play with a little passion, but neither one of them can score even at point blank range.
Mr_Brownstone writes:
this team is "1 and done" book it. i am thankful that at least we make the ncaa tourney; compared to the lean years which before pearl were the majority, (houston, o'neill, buzzball).
NashvillePreds writes:
I like the draw. I am hopeful all the negative posters out there don't watch. If you're so miserable, why don't you take a novel? That way, no one has to hear from you.
budd#207344 writes:
"Excited" has nothing to do with it. There is a chemistry problem on this team. These guys just do not get along. You can't coach team. Players have to want it. You can see it in their body language, especially when the other team is making a run. They quit. And where that comes from I do not know. This is not the same team that Wayne C, Prince , and Bobby Maze led last year. And much as I want them to win there just isn't anyone who looks like they can lead.
westknoxrepub writes:
We need a new coach? Who can we get to come in here and do a better job?
mhsvol writes:
I see Hopson's still talking. It's time for him to start walking.
wigmeister writes:
Excitement! Are you kidding me. Every other team they showed on TV getting a bid showed excitement!! They were ecstatic to go to the big dance. Luckily, TN wasn't on National TV. It would have been embarrassing. They showed their reaction on local TV. Reaction - ZIP - ALMOST NOTHING. They have no pride. There is no excitement. There almost looks like there is no team spirit at all. That is one of the main reasons they did so poorly this year. No matter what they say, body language on and off the court says it all. Then when they lose they tell everyone how much they care. Such a disappointment! Thank GOD we have the women's team. I wonder how long some of these players would have lasted with Pat as their coach.
VOL1972 writes:
Since the 1st of Feb, Mich. has gone 7 and 4, we've gone something like 5 and 7. They looked horrible in Jan. (when they lost just about every game), but appear to be playing well (not great) since.
We, on the other hand, just don't have an answer since Tatum went into his slump (scored 12 ppg first 7 games and 4 ppg last 7). We are just not the same team without those 8 pts.
Happy to "in", but its hard to be optimistic.
bUTchVFL writes:
Matt Painter from Purdue. Way underpaid for a big 10 school.
westknoxrepub writes:
Let me rephrase. . .who can we actually get that will come in here and do a better job?
VOL1972 writes:
I'm getting kind of tired of hearing the "we need a new coach" garbage, mostly from people who aren't and never were UT fans. Pearl has had a bad year and we're still a 9 seed.
We're not KY (probably never will be) and we don't have the player base that Florida has (not to mention that Donovan is a hell of a coach). Who else in the SEC has accomplished as much as Pearl has since he's been at UT?
At least he isn't instructing his players to step on opponents' toes.
peerlessvolfan writes:
I live in Michigan but I'm a Vol fan through and through. Take a look at the photo of MIchigan's team and it's the opposite of the photo I'm seeing here of the team. Michigan's kids are SO excited and this UT crew looks burnt out. I hope that is not a bad omen.
johnlg00 writes:
I didn't see Cam Tatum in the photo at the top of the article when I read it. If he was there, he was out of the picture. The way he has been playing lately, he may have been stretched out asleep on the floor behind the couch in the foreground. Goodness knows, he has been asleep on the court often enough lately. He is arguably the biggest mystery on a team full of them this year. So much talent, so little passion, so little production.
pms151 writes:
They are going to be as amateur as the writers that cover them.
johnlg00 writes:
The arena in Charlotte will be filled with Duke fans for the Vols' game, at least after halftime. Don't know how many people will come down from Michigan, but the only people pulling for the Vols will be however many of our fans show up, and I would be surprised if there more than a relative handful that do. Since the Vols have played generally somewhat better on the road and on neutral courts than at home, that may be for the best.
Living in Greensboro, NC, I have seen a LOT of Duke this year. In short, every one of their starters is better than every one of our starters. Tobias could well be the sixth man on their squad, but no other Vol would be much more than a bit player for them. Hopson would never have been signed by Coach K in the first place, and if he had, he would have been run off with his feelings hurt in his first pre-season practice. In short, if the Vols somehow get past Michigan, they could well face an EPIC beatdown against Duke. I wouldn't have said that just after they beat Pittsburgh, but THIS team right now bears no noticeable resemblance to THAT team then.
westknoxrepub writes:
We have fans under the delusion that winning at Tennessee is easy, and making Tennessee a national program shouldn't be too hard for any Sun Belt, A-Sun or SoCon flavor of the month to do. We suffered through 26 years of meaningless basketball, getting rid of Pearl means another long period of meaningless basketball.
1974Vol writes:
This teams stuggles are not about excitement. Its all about execution. They play hard most nights and play pretty good defense in spurts. Here are their issues that I see:
The biggest thing is they just don't shoot well enough from anywhere - 3 pt, foul line, down low, plus
Hopson is not a good enough ball handler to consistently create his own shot without alot of turn overs.
Brian Williams doesn't have good enough hands to consistently catch the ball down low and make plays.
They still lack a point guard who can consistently get in the lane and create opportunities.
If their shots start falling they have enough to make up for the rest and win a game.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
thank goodness they took the picture of Cam off this thread. He looked half asleep (?) in the photo prior to this one.
thesharc#228787 writes:
With this team, I'll take one win for our 20th. That's all I ask or want.
The thing that sucks is my fiancee is a huge Duke fan...
spacehistorian writes:
When asked about Tennessee's execution in the past 11 games most Vol fans who post on here said they were all for it. But seriously folks, I am old enough to remember the Ernie and Bernie show under HC Ray Mears in the 70's. Once Coach Mears stepped down as our coach we had some good teams but they were too few and far between for a major program like Tennessee. CBP has returned our basketball program to national prominence and last year we were tantalizingly close to our first Final Four. While the program is in turmoil right now this team still performed well enough to earn a #9 seed in the tournament. I agree we will struggle with a decent Michigan team and I doubt that if we do get to face Duke that we will be able to pull the upset but then again that is why we play these games. All we can do is cheer for the Big Orange and realize there is always next season which should be much less of a soap opera than this season proved to be. GBO!
nextyear writes:
One and done this year (but I hope not). I also hope the guards coming in next year change the personality of the team significantly. SIGNIFICANTLY! This year's team is NOT TOUGH MINDED. When it gets tough, every player and coach ups their whining to the referee ... and kinda' quits. Based on the article EXCITEMENT=BEING TOUGH MINDED AND STAYING FOCUSED ON WINNING.
johnlg00 writes:
Your list of the team's shortcomings in execution is pretty accurate. However, the lack of passion is shown in the lack of pursuit of "50-50" balls at crucial times in the game. For all the team's poor shooting and such, it was still IN nearly every game, but often let them get away by getting out-hustled when it really counted. That is why so many of us blame the lack of "excitement" for so many of our losses this year. When a team loses a half-dozen or more games by what amounts to one possession, then it MUST value EVERY possession, and this team has not consistently done that.
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