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Post by pdlglm on Nov 28, 2024 18:07:50 GMT -5
As we marvel over the Vols ascension to elite status in college basketball, may I offer this observation. Don Devoe was an excellent coach when the rules of the game benefited his preferred style of play. When the shot clock and three point shot came to the game in the mid 1980's, he failed to adjust, and his teams fell into mediocrity. Rick Barnes has shown himself to be a master at adapting to changes in the game. His agenda had been defense first and only, but he has come to realize that his demands for elite defense must be tempered with elite offensive players. In conjunction with that, he has found his way in the era of the transfer portal and NIL. I went back over the last five years and found that skill level of transfer athletes has drastically improved. His early efforts provided little... E.J. Anosike and Justin Powell were busts; Victor Bailey Jr. and Tyreke Key were average rotation players at best; whereas Jordan Gainey has improved to the point of being a solid contributor; and Dalton Knecht was a 1st team All-American. This year, he is four for four out of the transfer portal... In Igor Miličić Jr, Chaz Lanier, Felix Okpara and Darlinstone Dubar, he has found three starters and a solid rotational player on a top five team. And that sports fans is why we celebrate a 70 yr old coach and harbor hopes for the Vols first final four. One of the things I noticed in my first deep dive into his team's statistic profile at Texas was that his teams seemed to adjust style with personnel. Not all all surprised that he has been able to adapt his coaching style to this new era. Moderately concerned about this next class, but maybe I shouldn't be. |
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Post by siberiavol on Nov 28, 2024 18:25:06 GMT -5
I believe this is the first time in history SEC 1-2 in Kenpom.com
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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 28, 2024 18:53:45 GMT -5
Idk yet , I need to see our mid major guys getting beat on by SEC guys 2x/week before I believe they’re not a 4 seed. Personally I think Lanier will end up being a guy easily defended The problem is Lanier is not the only one who can. Problem for the opponents that is I'm cautiously optimistic that we have more legit scoring threats than last year. A normal season from Santi would have made a big difference. |
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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 28, 2024 18:55:37 GMT -5
As we marvel over the Vols ascension to elite status in college basketball, may I offer this observation. Don Devoe was an excellent coach when the rules of the game benefited his preferred style of play. When the shot clock and three point shot came to the game in the mid 1980's, he failed to adjust, and his teams fell into mediocrity. Rick Barnes has shown himself to be a master at adapting to changes in the game. His agenda had been defense first and only, but he has come to realize that his demands for elite defense must be tempered with elite offensive players. In conjunction with that, he has found his way in the era of the transfer portal and NIL. I went back over the last five years and found that skill level of transfer athletes has drastically improved. His early efforts provided little... E.J. Anosike and Justin Powell were busts; Victor Bailey Jr. and Tyreke Key were average rotation players at best; whereas Jordan Gainey has improved to the point of being a solid contributor; and Dalton Knecht was a 1st team All-American. This year, he is four for four out of the transfer portal... In Igor Miličić Jr, Chaz Lanier, Felix Okpara and Darlinstone Dubar, he has found three starters and a solid rotational player on a top five team. And that sports fans is why we celebrate a 70 yr old coach and harbor hopes for the Vols first final four. It's early, but if this is not our best portal group ever I would be hard-pressed to say which was better. |
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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 28, 2024 18:58:40 GMT -5
As we marvel over the Vols ascension to elite status in college basketball, may I offer this observation. Don Devoe was an excellent coach when the rules of the game benefited his preferred style of play. When the shot clock and three point shot came to the game in the mid 1980's, he failed to adjust, and his teams fell into mediocrity. Rick Barnes has shown himself to be a master at adapting to changes in the game. His agenda had been defense first and only, but he has come to realize that his demands for elite defense must be tempered with elite offensive players. In conjunction with that, he has found his way in the era of the transfer portal and NIL. I went back over the last five years and found that skill level of transfer athletes has drastically improved. His early efforts provided little... E.J. Anosike and Justin Powell were busts; Victor Bailey Jr. and Tyreke Key were average rotation players at best; whereas Jordan Gainey has improved to the point of being a solid contributor; and Dalton Knecht was a 1st team All-American. This year, he is four for four out of the transfer portal... In Igor Miličić Jr, Chaz Lanier, Felix Okpara and Darlinstone Dubar, he has found three starters and a solid rotational player on a top five team. And that sports fans is why we celebrate a 70 yr old coach and harbor hopes for the Vols first final four. One of the things I noticed in my first deep dive into his team's statistic profile at Texas was that his teams seemed to adjust style with personnel. Not all all surprised that he has been able to adapt his coaching style to this new era. Moderately concerned about this next class, but maybe I shouldn't be. I think the next class could be really strong (if we land a couple of guys we have a good shot at, it becomes a likely top 5-7 class). |
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