No, Bruce, Erin Andrews isn’t hiding over there.
Hey, remember when Florida received their first No. 1 ranking in the history of the program about five years ago, only to play on Super Tuesday on ESPN the following night and get romped by Kentucky? This wasn’t exactly like that, but it was close.
Vanderbilt dispatched of the Vols 72-69 last night on that ridiculous Opera House floor that could almost hold two basketball games at the same time. Vanderbilt looked ready, Tennessee looked arrogant and lost on offense. The game was only a three-point win for the Commies, but it should have been of the 10-14 point variety. (Vanderbilt did their darndest to keep it close against the hated Orange.)
I wanted to say this following the Memphis win, but last night’s performance affirmed my suspicions. I’m here to say: DON’T BUY INTO TENNESSEE.
Let’s examine: They eek out a win against Memphis, then fall to Vanderbilt. Sure, going 1-1 in road games against two teams with a combined record of 50-5 can be considered par for the course, but what was the common denominator in those two games? Extremely helter-skelter play and terrible shot selection from Tennessee. They just happened to play two teams that love to get a little chaotic in their offensive play, effectively playing into UT’s hands.
But everyone knows: Half-court style wins in March. Last night was certainly anything but.
How can you trust this kind of team? Bad shot selection + shoddy rebounding + too much reliance on a lesser-than-advertised shooter (Lofton) = early Tournament exit. Tennessee shot an inspiring 33 percent from the floor and went 7-for-26 from behind the 3 in last night’s game.
Plus, you get the sense that Bruce Pearl might be coaching a bit over his skis at this point and is due for another nice, humbling loss. (Remember their second-round loss to Wichita State as a 2 seed in 2006?)
As it is, I don’t take readers of CHJ lightly, so I know you aren’t really fooled by the kaleidoscope that can be the weekly polls, but Tennessee is assured at least a 2 seed and you musn’t fall prey to that coveted high number they’ll be placed next to. This team is simply not Final Four material. Elite 8? Possibly, but they are prime meat for any competent, half-court team (think Drake, Kent State, Purdue) to pick off.
Let’s not forget that this is basically a deeper, more talented version of the team that had Ohio State beat last year in the Sweet 16. True, Lofton ‘08 has not been the same as Lofton ‘07, but adding Prince and Crews helps offset that.
In any other normal year, I would agree with you that they have the makings of an early exit – but it seems to me the field is going to be particularly weak this year, especially in the 5 – 10 seed range.
I definitely don’t think they’re built to win it all or probably even make the Final Four, but they picked a good year to be good. Because a lot of other teams aren’t good.
My two cents.
I agree with smails – to a degree. This team has a lot of weapons and J.P. Prince is a very nice player. I do not see the value of Lofton (watched him play about 4 times this year) but understand it. Vols definitely have the type of team that COULD go to the FF, but I think I see what Norlander’s saying. I do think that this Tenn team could be a victim in the second or third round.
I have noticed the fact that when the stage has gotten bigger, Tenn has faltered in their play every single time.
I’m not downplaying Lofton’s ability, but he is primarily to this team what Redick was to Duke. That’s not a broad brush, that’s really what he is: a great spot up shooter, can penetrate some when he really wants to. He’s a little better on D than Redick, but nothing amazing. I just don’t see this Tennessee team having the balance and discipline to win four straight in March.