Tennessee Basketball left Niceville, FL with a 1-1 record, which ultimately meant the Vols didn’t accomplish what they wanted too. On the other hand, the experience provided by the early-season tournament can prove to be extremely valuable for the young squad going forward. In both contests, there were many coachable moments for the Vols—emphasis on coachable. For that reason, the struggles that were apparent versus Florida State shouldn’t be too much cause for concern in the long-run. Conversely, the progression and poise the Vols put on display the following day versus #20 VCU should be held at a higher-regard.
To be brutally honest, Tennessee couldn’t toss a ball into the Gulf of Mexico in their game versus FSU. Despite that, the Vols continuously displayed the poise of a veteran squad and refused to let up defensively. For the most part, the Vols played with tenacity and toughness, in a game against a team that virtually possessed double the depth they did. Of the six players to play 15 or more minutes for Tennessee, a whopping five reached 30 minutes. In comparison, Florida State had nine players play 15 or more minutes, with only two reach 30 minutes. Regardless of that clear advantage and the fact only three Vols scored in double-figures, Tennessee only lost by three points. In general, it’s going to be difficult to win many games overall when only three players reach double-figures. That fact had the potential to hold true on the very next day versus #20 VCU had Lamonte’ Turner missed his game-winning three pointer at the buzzer.
Although Florida State didn’t presently hold an AP-ranking, the Seminoles were an accredited Top-15 team per Kenpom. It’s also well-known FSU possesses the tallest/lengthiest team in the nation, and that was evident Friday night, as the Vols only have one player listed over 6’9″. Essentially, all of that in-hand with their far-superior depth, it was an uphill climb for the Vols from tip-off. The takeaway from this is that if you consider all of the above, Tennessee should have gotten blown out by FSU, and yet that’s not what occurred—that’s significant.
Upon the quick turnaround, the Vols stumbled into an unexpected Top-25 match-up versus #20 VCU in the consolation game. Tennessee’s previously stated poise was on display yet again, showing no ill-effects from the tough loss to Florida State. Offensively, the Vols were vastly more efficient shooting at 48.1% from the floor and nearly chopped their turnover total in half. They were more confident and fluid within the offense, and looked more like the team we saw in the first five games. In a consecutive scrappy game, Tennessee found a way to win this time—which is what good teams do. Reminiscent of the dagger Lamonte’ Turner delivered versus Kentucky last year in the SEC Tournament, in spite of his cold shooting, he called game yet again. With near-perfect execution, Turner drilled an incredibly difficult shot off an inbound to win the game for Tennessee with less than 2 seconds remaining in regulation.
Credit must be given to Rick Barnes for the creative inbound play that was drawn-up—the coaching staff set things up as well as possible and the Vols executed. Tennessee easily could have left Florida 0-2, but the fact that it didn’t happen with this relatively brand-new 2019-20 squad, the significance cannot be understated. The experience that was offered by the Emerald Coast Classic is the exact kind of experience that fuels teams in March.
LOOKING AHEAD
Tennessee now sits at 6-1 on the season. No disrespect to Florida A&M, but the Vols have roughly 12 days to prepare for #16 Memphis in what will be a ruckus Thompson-Boling Arena. With Florida A&M being the only contest in that stretch, Tennessee has an opportunity to be fresh upon facing a Tigers squad that won’t be full-strength. It’s also worth noting that the Vols will only leave Knoxville one more time to close out 2019, that one game being at the Fifth Third Arena to face the Cincinnati Bearcats December 18th. Tennessee Basketball will at least have a chance to win each of their next six games, with the opportunity to open the new year as the team-to-beat when SEC play begins.
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