Tyler Smith and the Vols

[bama nation]

It seems to me that Tyler Smith has completely lost confidence in his ability to make an outside shot.  When he opted to return to the Vols this year rather than play overseas, I thought he was coming back to show the NBA that he has an outside shot.  He still seems content to mostly pass the ball and occasionally drive to the basket. 

As for the team, none of the players other than Smith and Chism have shown much consistency.  Players like Tatum, Hopson, Maze look like all SEC type players one game and disappear the next game.  For whatever reason it doesn't look like Pearl's staff is very good at player development at least with this group of players.  I think Prince was a better player two years ago than he is now.  Williams has shown gradual improvement but he's always going to get in foul trouble.  Woolridge seems content with his 5 minutes or so a game.  Hopefully, with this years signing class, the days of depending heavily on junior college players are over.

The people doing the rankings (9th or so) must see something about this team that I don't.  I think they will have a hard time finishing ahead of Florida and Kentucky in the East.

[Tripod]

It seems to me that Tyler Smith has completely lost confidence in his ability to make an outside shot.  When he opted to return to the Vols this year rather than play overseas, I thought he was coming back to show the NBA that he has an outside shot.  He still seems content to mostly pass the ball and occasionally drive to the basket. 

As for the team, none of the players other than Smith and Chism have shown much consistency.  Players like Tatum, Hopson, Maze look like all SEC type players one game and disappear the next game.  For whatever reason it doesn't look like Pearl's staff is very good at player development at least with this group of players.  I think Prince was a better player two years ago than he is now.  Williams has shown gradual improvement but he's always going to get in foul trouble.  Woolridge seems content with his 5 minutes or so a game.  Hopefully, with this years signing class, the days of depending heavily on junior college players are over.

The people doing the rankings (9th or so) must see something about this team that I don't.  I think they will have a hard time finishing ahead of Florida and Kentucky in the East.

It's December, don't jump off a bridge yet. Pearl is still trying to find his lineup. Players are learning their role. Rankings don't mean a damn thing in December. If you are a true BB fan I would think you would be more concerned with how the Vols are playing in March, not December. Thats like trying to make assumptions on the football team based on spring practice.

[roustabout]

I agree with Woolridge. He is not playing like he wants to see more playing time. At least make the hustle plays and D up.

Tatum has improved, but is still inconsistent.

I don't see why Pearl doesn't play Tyler at the three. Some of these early games would have been a good time to push him into that role. It is the only position he has a chance of playing at the next level. Same with Chism. He is a four all day long. He would get much better match ups on both ends as well. Let Williams and Hall play the ugly role down low.

Not sure why this team seems so out of flow. You would think with all the experience and talent that the game would flow more for them.

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Tyler looks like he's trying to show that he can be a ball handler in the NBA.  His assist to turnover ratio is outstanding.  He kind of reminds me of Magic Johnson when he brings the ball up court with his dribble... but he doesn't have the passing touch that Magic had.

[MRM]

I think the fact this team is winning without great contributions in scoring from Tyler shows this team might be able to take it up a notch when they play the likes of Kansas, Kentucky, and Florida.