More of the Same

[teamweaver]

If your heart is set on Kentucky changing its style of play based upon some comments that Tubby Smith made last week, you better sit down. Coach Smith made it clear today at SEC Media Days that you won’t be seeing a very different team this season--at least in style of play.

Smith contrasted the way new Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl’s teams have played, with how his team has played. “If we could play that way (run and gun), I’d do that,” he said. Usually the other team has a lot to do with that--if the other team gets the rebound, or if they get back and keep us from fast-breaking, we can’t.”

Smith continued--“We won’t be a very different team,” he said. “Not much. We lacked physicality on the team last year, and we’re trying to find guys like Sheray Thomas--who’s looking really good, and has gained weight back to 240 pounds--and Rekalin Sims (to provide it).” >>Click Here For Entire Article<<

I pretty much knew this was the case but I hoped for a little more offensive zest this year. I know Tubby will bring in the wins but the low scoring nail-biters really get to me.

[The Bubba]

I think we are going to see a much more up-tempo style this year than in years past regardless of what Tubby says. Time will tell.

[uk9698]

I dont think it will be total chaos like Tenneesee but it will be more up tempo because he has turned a lot of the controls over to Rondo and he is going to create many more oppurtunities for everyone!

[teamweaver]

Bubba here’s an alternative take on what Tubby said. He could have just been telling the guys that if the intensity and rebounding are the same as last year you can all expect to be playing out of the halfcourt this season. Hey, we already know Rondo in particular wants to run and gun and I have no doubt the rest of the backcourt want the same. And while I can’t imagine our rebounding frontcourt guys are all out for 40 minutes of sprinting, little can motivate them like the peer pressure of their fellow players.

I don’t think Tubby is totally against a full throttle tempo but he’s not about to try and force it in the teeth of a rebounding deficit or poor outlet passing. Nor is he going to tolerate it as a substitute for poor defense. Last year the guys tried to force the pace everytime we got a defensive rebound or steal but we go so few rebounds it was very difficult. More rebounds - that's the answer!

[The Bubba]

I was a bit harsh with you on CHN and apologize. I have no doubt what you say is true. Tubby is definitely going to leave with the one that brought him to the dance so to speak. On the other hand, I don't think he's afraid to try the up tempo game either. He has the horses this year but a lot will depend on the outlet passing. UK needs to shape up on their rebounding and I think they're up for it. I would be fairly disapointed not to see more fast breaking and that's coming from someone that a halfcourt game doesn't bother.