Posted by dhollland on November 27, 2007 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad to see Lofton starting to heat up and nail some shots! 8 3's tonight!

Posted by Plasticman on November 27, 2007 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many 3's did we jack up tonight?? I am concerned about our big men not getting the ball inside. Point guard play is still not up to par.

Posted by tnmantravel on November 27, 2007 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vols keep on keepin' on :)

Posted by volfan1511 on November 27, 2007 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols played good tonight but A&T really stayed close with us other than when we actually turned it on them in the middle of the first half. Lofton looked good and getting back to par as we thought he would but IMO Tyler Smith played a great game except he had to miss free throws late in the game. We need to start working the ball inside and drive but all we seem to want to do is jack 3's and hope sometimes.

Posted by redneckerson on November 27, 2007 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Howell had more shots than anybody except Lofton - THAT WON"T WORK! Ramar needs to step up and take his job back - at least until Prince takes it from both of them.

Posted by creepykev on November 27, 2007 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sloppy game. Some of the passes by our point guards left me scratching my head.

Posted by TurboFan on November 27, 2007 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Plastic, only heard the game via Kesling at the end, but he said that NC A&T packed it in tight under the basket and daring UT to shoot from outside. Lofton obliged with 20 attempts out of the team total 38 (or so I think I heard Kesling say).

Posted by amyslins on November 27, 2007 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i do not care if they are packing it in....that is a stupid comment from anyone knowing that we do not have an outstanding inside game, but we are known for the outside game. i do not care if you cannot get it inside, FORCE IT INSIDE. shooting 50 of your 79 shots from the outside is very much UNACCEPTABLE. i know that pearl more than likely had a plan for this, but 50 out of 79...come on!

Posted by Plasticman on November 27, 2007 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD, not so sure NC A&T was packing it in, but I do feel the Vols were content with shooting the three as often as they could. They won and I'm not going to complain about that, however, I do not think this type of ball will beat strong, quick perimeter teams (i.e. Texas). If you live by the 3, you die by the 3. WOuld like to see Chism, Crews, T. Smith give us more of an inside presence. Also Childress when he gets back.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on November 28, 2007 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

totally agree with amyslins--thats rediculous jacking it up that many times---we are not a good 3 point shooting team and the differencial between our 2 % and 3s % is such that it costs us points shooting 3s---you certainly can shoot 2 pt jumpers when its packed in inside---a third of our shots being 3s is more than enough IMO. We need to get some live in game work on the half court game when we are comfortably ahead cause other teams are not going to just let us run and jackem like that and we'll be forced to then.----Tabb is earning more and more playing time for sure--great defense and all round game tonite

Posted by RockyTopRooks on November 28, 2007 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

we still have a lot of improving to do.. will Chism and the rest of the big guys try and post up once. maybe look to score down by the basket!

Posted by newtonrail on November 28, 2007 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's see, when the opponent has 5 sagging under the basket, try to run over them and force passes in there with all passing lanes blocked. Hm mm. Actually, Ramar did penetrate off the dribble drive several times successfully. Tabb, Tatum, and T.Smith also penetrated off the dribble. 60 yrs of BB and I guess I wasn't aware the game has been reinvented. Just like the wheel.

Posted by lnbadger320 on November 28, 2007 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

if the shot is open, you should take it. howell has shown he can hit 3's. he had a lot of open looks but missed. as did lofton before he found his range.

creepykev, they did have some bad passes, but they also had some great ball movement. every team makes bad passes and plays sloppy, especially when up by 25 points. but for the 1st half their passing was great, had a lot of assists that game.

Posted by marc_ash on November 28, 2007 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Redneckerson,

Howell had more shots than anybody except Lofton - THAT WON"T WORK! Ramar needs to step up and take his job back - at least until Prince takes it from both of them.

No. Ramar doesn't need to take more shots if that is what you are suggesting. Ramar is playing pt guard, whose number one priority is to distribute the ball. Ramar did EXACTLY what he was supposed to do. He had 11 pts and 6 assists while only turning the ball over 1 time. Solid numbers for a starting pt guard. So, no...Ramar doesn't need to "step up" because he has actually done that in his performance last night.

Also, look at the change in rotation that Pearl is working with. He is experimenting with bringing JuJuan in at 2 guard for Lofton. Now, while a lot of folks will yell and scream, this rotation keeps a solid shooter on the floor at all times while allowing players like Josh Tabb to come in with more minutes and be a defensive stopper: career-highs in rebounds (eight), assists (four) and steals (four) while playing a season-high 25 minutes.

People who know basketball know this is the way to go. Ramar and Tabb were the keys to victory last night and both did a great job in helping to build the chemistry of the team.

Posted by marc_ash on November 28, 2007 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And J. P. Prince isn't a pt guard, so he won't be taking any minutes from either of those 2 players.

Posted by marc_ash on November 28, 2007 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You also have to remember the Vols has this game in hand very early. Pearl is experimenting and probably wanted to see who was willing to step up and make plays.

As someone whose coached basketball, its common knowledge that you take the shot if it is available. For those of you that watched the game, the jumper was open all night. Not only that, but it was falling.

I do agree however that if it were me, I would be working on some of the other aspects of the game i.e. post play. However, I think last nights game got some key players quality minutes they needed.

Posted by iowavol on November 28, 2007 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think there is any doubt Pearl is concerned about his inside game - especially from Chism and Crews. Didn't see any of the first half, but second half, Duke was bricking one shot after another from 2 ft, then goes to the foul line and swishes 2. GO figure, we need more consistant scoring inside from those two or we will see more Williams. And whoever said we were losing pts based off our 2 and 3 shooting % needs to remember that 33% of 3's is equal to 50% of 2's. I don't know about the whole team but Lofton hit 40% of his 3's which equates to about 60% from 2 pt range - nobody hits that number very often.

Posted by webbofconfusion on November 28, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am glad we can pound the little teams... I am worried when we start our SEC schedule. We struggle against WV and lose to a ranked opponent. We need to work on our entire game and not jus the long ball.
Lofton 8 for 20. Work on your short game, it would be more productive.

Posted by fundamentals83 on November 28, 2007 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GET OUT OF PRATT PAVILLION!!!! We are giving up a significant amount of the home court advantage by practicing in Pratt all the time. Much of shooting is touch and feel. Shooters develop spots on the floor from where they know they are not going to miss. I'll bet Lofton has his spots at Pratt... The only time Pratt should be used is when TBA is not available. Use it as a recruiting tool, not as a practice facility!

Posted by fundamentals83 on November 28, 2007 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

43%FG, 57.9%FT, 28% 3Pt. That is not good shooting at home.

Posted by fundamentals83 on November 28, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay, so practice in Pratt in prep for away games. Treat it like an away court.

Posted by bleed_orange on November 28, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought Josh & Tyler had good games. I don't what has happened to Crews's layups. Wayne needs to be more of a factor too. They need to at least get more rebounds 5-10 each instead of 2 or 3 combined. I would like to see Jauan, Chris and Ramar drive more to the basket and get to the foul line. The defense was turned up in the 1st half, but the play looked real sloppy in the 2nd half. They got the win. Now get ready for La Laf. for Friday. Keep getting better. GO VOLS!
JDS

Posted by Stumps on November 28, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

stupid journalists can't even proofread their own work.
look at the headline: "50 3-point shots", that would equal 150 points.
the headline should have read "50 points from 3-point shots" or "Vols gun 50 from 3-point shots"

Posted by fundamentals83 on November 28, 2007 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

14 of 50 from 2 pt line. They actually attempted 50 3pt shots.

Posted by fundamentals83 on November 28, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

14 of 50 from 3 pt line. (oops)

Posted by JHite7 on November 28, 2007 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post play is atrocious. I know it's early, but against a team like A&T the post players should have dominated. Tyler Smith is exempt, that kid plays his butt off...but Chism and Crews should be ashamed at the amount of rebounds and "hustle" plays that they tallied. The good thing is all this can be fixed...it's not a talent problem, it's a mental "want-to."

Posted by RockyTopRooks on November 28, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

actually Prince can play the point. Thats where he played at arizona

Posted by Basketball_Jones on November 28, 2007 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You have to take the shots your given. If a team like A&T leaves the 3 open then shoot 50. Lofton had a decent game 40% from behind the arc is average. The post play is horrendous, I understand Duke is still getting in shape but Crews has no excuse. Tyler is a player, not huge numbers but when he's in the game he's a factor. Don't panic Vol fans, if this continues into January and Feb then its time to panic

Posted by jlange on November 28, 2007 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The lack of interior defense was blatantly exposed by Texas. And reinforced last nite. Whether UT scores inside isn't nearly as important, given their style of play, as playing solid post defense. Giving up back cuts galore, offensive rebounds, transition lay ups and easy post points can't make Pearl happy.

Posted by THE_VOL on November 28, 2007 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow - NCA&T came into TBA and whupped us like we were Depaul or somebody! Oh, wait a sec - what? We won? Alright then - just couldn't tell from the comments on here. LMAO!! Gentlemen - and ladies too given some of the comments - the PLAN going into the game was to shoot the open 3 ball!!! Does anybody think that this staff didn't watch film and prepare a scout on this opponent??? They KNEW they could get all the 3s they wanted and they BELIEVED our shooters would knock em down - and that isn't speculation on my part. The good news is we didn't have non-shooters hoisting up crazy stuff (okay Chism did get his 3 bricks up). 39 of the 50 attempts were from CLo, JuJuan and Jordan. Okay so JuJuan and Jordan had a tough night getting em down but just ask yourself what if? IF they get just 5 of those 16 combined misses to drop they're at 40% too and everybody's talking about what a great night our shooters had in what would have then been another 50 pt blowout! The BEST part of the evening though was the 1st half defense that essentially shut A&T down completely. 2nd half could have been better but it's tough to maintain that level in a 30 pt game against an opponent that has NO chance of coming back.

I realize this was a weaker opponent but I like what I saw in the rotation, the 1st half effort when our core 8 were on the floor, people actually passing up shots to give it up to a better one, people actually LOOKING for the 3 shooters (CLo is particular), Tyler Smith playing with what appeared to be a lot more confidence and purpose not just a "how do I fit in" approach, the freshmen performing at a high level despite limited minutes and not pouting about it, Tabb finally beginning his season, and Ramar staying under better control and doing what he does best. Now let's move on and put some more polish on this thing Friday night.

Posted by mlewishome on November 28, 2007 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the most entertainment i get all day long is pulling up the comments at the end of these articles. i'm so glad they went free with GoVolsXtra! lol

Posted by bleed_orange on November 28, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I kind of like a few easy games, because we will have plenty of tough ones in the SEC comming up. The next 2 aginast LA Laf. & UTC should be 20-30 point wins. WKY and NC Ash will not be easy and then we go to Xavier & Gonzaga. Those 2 very will could be loses. Then we come back to TBA for Ole Miss and the SEC. I think they will continue to improve each game. Looks like Chris, Tyler, Jajuan, Ramar, Jordan, Wyane, Josh, Duke,& Cameron will get the bulk of a 9 player rotation. At least until J.P. is ready to play. Of course when Ryan is ready again he might take Wayne or Dukes minutes. Brain will probally still get a few minutes at C. GO VOLS!
JDS

Posted by Suttree6 on November 28, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stumps, you're misreading the headline. The "50 3-point shots" means "attempts", which is what the Vols threw up. It wasn't 50 points off threes. It was actually 50 shots, which does seem like a typo.

Posted by marc_ash on November 28, 2007 at noon (Suggest removal)

Either way, Mike Griffith is a terrible writer.

Posted by ralphie on November 28, 2007 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

josh tabb will be this years bradshaw. assist to turnover ratio says so.

Posted by redneckerson on November 28, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc ash, what are you talking about??? I said Howell took way too many shots - not because he's playing the point but because he just doesn't need to be taking that many shots period, as evidenced by his 2-11 line. I guess if you're coaching 6 year old girls in the no scoreboard league you take whatever shot is there but "people who know basketball" know that there are bad shots and the defense will encourage you take them all night long (with the exception of Lofton, if a guy is 2-11 I'll sag way off like NCAT did in the hope he will keep on shooting). Outside of Lofton, TN was 6 for 30 from 3 pt range (including Howell's 2-10)- you consider that "falling"??? "People who know basketball" don't. Coach marc, it's not a good shot just because you're open. I never said anything about Ramar shooting more - said Ramar needed to step up and take time from Howell; he did and will continue to take more. Howell is great as a #2 guy at the point but he's just not the guy to be the #1 option there. As for Prince at the point, you can aoplogize for your ignorance later.

Posted by Stumps on November 28, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OH.... they made 50 3-point attempts... hitting 14 baskets.

thanks for those who clarified... still think it's a bad headline, but that does make sense now.

:-)

Posted by DSaVol on November 28, 2007 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

redneckerson - stick to what you know. By the way, how ARE those sheep????

ralphie - join redneckerson in the end stall please. As the phrase goes - "I knew Dane Bradshaw, and Mr. Tabb, you sir, are no Dane Bradshaw!"

marc_ash - we finally found something we can agree on - Griffith is worse than terrible though. And how are those 8 yr olds you coach doing btw?

jlange - did you REALLY watch this game? Have you REALLY EVER watched a game? C'mon now, what manual did you copy those terms from???

fundamentals83 - a $19 million recruiting tool eh? That is just brilliant! And I guess you REALLY believe these guys spend all their time in Pratt. Yup - ole BP, coach of nearly 400 wins, a national title, etc etc but not even smart enough to have his guys practice on the home goals. Son, I think you're just a damned genius!

This board is fast becoming Comedy Central!

Posted by redneckerson on November 29, 2007 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DSA, your arrogance is exceeded only by your ignorance.

Posted by marc_ash on November 29, 2007 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

redneckerson, you show your classlessness by the response in your post. I never took a sarcastic or personal approach in my post. If you feel better about that, go ahead. Would you happen to be one of those "6 year old girls" I coach?

As for Howell, did you even watch the game. His shots were good shots. You also mentioned Ramar. He doesn't need to shoot like he has in the past, he's a pt guard. Did you hear the pre-game AND post game interviews by Pearl? Check em out and see his remarks on Ramar.

If you want to get technical, neither of the pg's should be taking as many shots. But the other night was a fluke and I don't think that type of game will happen again shooting wise.

And yes, if the shot is open TAKE IT. Unless its a possession situation or a clock issue. But thats not how TN was playing the other night and obviously Pearl was giving them the green light to shoot when they wanted to.

Don't talk to me about knowing the game if you have no idea what I know. Will make you sould worse than you already do.

Posted by redneckerson on November 29, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

marc, check into the availability of a reading comprehension class. Let me make this simple for you. If Howell is taking the second most shots on your team, it is not a good thing. Ramar is an extremely talented young man; accordingly, he will play more. Coach Pearl will dictate the shooting frequency of the PG in his system. You stick with your open shot philosophy, I'll continue to admire ball movement and the extra pass.

Posted by 55Vol on November 29, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DSaVol...Comedy Central?? you have been posting to the football boards... that has also been Comedy Central this year although we will not agree as to the reason why.