Basketball: Vanderbilt Commodores @ Florida Gators -- Open GameThread
Vanderbilt Commodores at Florida Gators, Feb 4, 2012 1:00 PM EST
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16-6 (5-2) |
February 4, 2012 |
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Post your pregame, in-game, and post-game comments and thoughts below. STAT-KING!
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Sorry for the lack of periscope
Had a wedding shower last night.
Anchor of Gold
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Good answers, smart kid.
Non-committal on the future but shows he is engaged with this team at this time and doing his best.
Non-committal
but sounds like a departure and another scholarship open. Even more for the new coach to bring in
I thought the game was CBS nationally
but it turns out, its only regionally. We get Marquette and somebody here. Anyone got an online link to the game feed?
Only 12 here but that'll do
Probably will need it for this one
Oh sweet Jesus, please win this game by 50
We don’t need another comment thread like that post-Arkansas one. No sir.
Prediction
This game is a good prediction of what it will be like if Vandy makes it to the second or third round of the NCAA tourney…Need this one today…
Anyone heard anything on Festus
I know he missed a practice this week…hope he’s somewhat recovered.
Anchor of Gold
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Strategic no help
I imagine Lance didn’t help on purpose in order to take away the 3 point field goal.
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Man
John really got gashed against Arkansas, didn’t he?
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It feels like Erving Walker has been playing at UF for 10 years....
by KC Commodore on Feb 4, 2012 1:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions
charging???
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:13 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
the streak continues
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:14 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Corbin
That is a phenomenal sig quote. Well done.
Anchor of Gold
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thank you.
It applied last year for baseball, seemed just as applicable for hoops this year.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:21 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Hustle/effort
is already 1000x better than Fayetteville
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 1:14 PM EST reply actions
We need to settle on offense
but keep the intensity on defense.
Anchor of Gold
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Rebounding has been great so far
Just need to put the ball in the basket
by KC Commodore on Feb 4, 2012 1:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions
It's ugly early
I assume we’re a bit nervous. That should go away.
I hope it means they’re exhausted. That might only get worse.
Great hustle
by Jeff to save that ball.
Anchor of Gold
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Jenkins
While reason does not always prevail in NBA Draft decisions, this guy does not have an NBA defensive game.
Taylor, on the other hand, should break the Vanderbilt curse of recent years.
Press
Wow…. Florida is pressing….what a HUGE surprise…. NOT!….and still having difficulties….Amazing
I'm so tired
of NCAA officials allowing teams to grab cutters when they’re trying to press the inbounds after a made basket. ITS A CLEAR FOUL. BLOW YOUR DAMN WHISTLE.
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Goulborne
Get him off the court. He has made too many errors!
Quick passing is very disruptive to our defense.
Thank goodness they missed, but Fes needs to grab that rebound.
Who put the benches that close to the court?
It’s like inviting massive injuries. I’m shocked every time I see it.
What happens in practice when they work on the press?
Here’s what I imagine:
First 5 turns it over 50-60% of the time
CKS just watches with his chin in his hand, frowning, but offers nothing
They move on to something else
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 1:26 PM EST reply actions
You think they practice press breaking?
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 4, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
No
We should hire a coach who will practice pressing and restore Vandy to its glorious pre-Stallings heights.
Another theory
The second 5 is so bad that CKS is satisfied with the first 5’s work against them in practice, and then we come up against real teams in games and just get tossed around
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
I was joking
As for your theory, it probably has some merit. It’s reasonable to think that our starters are far more confident and capable of breaking the press against our second 5 than on the road
Got the joke
But actually trying to figure this out instead of shrugging our shoulders and shaking our heads like we usually do
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
You’re right. We can aspire to no better than being steadily between 25 and 40 nationally. What’s with us uppity folks complaining that a coach with this much talent gets beaten by the same stuff for years on end.
I’m sure teams will just stop pressing us.
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 4, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
If you don’t think you’re better at your job than others — be it coaching or selecting coaches — you shouldn’t be in your job.
Did you just accept not going to college and getting a job at Wal Mart because, hey, most people don’t do any better and what reason have I to think I’m any better than others?
Lots of other programs are, quite simply, willing to accept sucking.
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 4, 2012 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
Bullshit
… though I think you should offer your theory to NC State fans.
Obviously, coaching plays a big role in building a winning program, but so do facilities, history, fan support, academic standards and other factors. Why do the same coaches who succeed in one place fail in another with similar resources (Odom, Sendek, and Fogler all come to mind). I don’t think Vanderbilt was mediocre for much of the three decades pre-Stallings because the fans accepted mediocrity.
When you can't argue without insults, you're just making yourself look stupid
…which seems fair enough given the quality of your comments.
Everyone has read all your comments about why we should keep Stallings and most people find them wanting. I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is.
There’s no need to start a flame war every time someone makes an obviously valid argument about how unacceptable it is that a supposedly competent coach cannot teach a senior laden team to break a press.
Your comments about there being no possible way for us to expect to get a new coach to bring this club to the next level are not just stupid, they’re irrelevant.
As to your two brilliant observations:
1. No. It’s not all about aspiring. It’s about executing, mostly, though you need a bit of luck, too.
2. Lots of coaches burn out. Being a top coach basically requires 80 hours a week in season and 60 hours a week out of season, minimum. It’s really easy to lose the when you’re a 55-year-old name-brand coach who gets a lot of guaranteed money to restore a bad school. Hence you see a lot of big name coaches take a new gig and flop.
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 4, 2012 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Not insulting you, just your silly analogy
There is a difference between criticizing the coach and resorting to silly hyperbole to prove a point. See below.
Factual statement: The team looks terrible against the press. Coaching obviously is not getting it done.
Silly statement: This team does not even practice beating the press.
I agree with the first statement, I find the second ignorant. I also find it ignorant to pretend like the key to a better program is fans or administrators “wanting it” more and accepting mediocrity.
I do not believe that five NCAA Tournaments in six years should not be the goal, but it’s still a modern modern high-water mark for a school that has found itself closer to the bottom of the sea more often than not in recent decades. My biggest worry is having this program regress to where it was before Stallings arrived. We’ve made more NCAA Tournaments under Stallings than in the three decades before he arrived. In my opinion, running him off at this point seems likely to run off any chance of hiring another experienced coach immediately.
If Stallings misses a few NCAA Tournaments, then we’ll talk. Until then, I don’t see Vanderbilt luring a better coach to Nashville if it runs off Kevin Stallings. Having just watched NC State’s last two coaching hires, I’m skeptical that Vandy would find someone better than Stallings if we fire him this year. Who would want to come here? While I recognize that James Franklin has been great for our football program, I’m cognizant of the facts that (1) it took decades for us to hire a guy like that and (2) he was not even our first choice hire.
Finally, I don’t think that this season is over. I’ve seen the past three Vanderbilt teams – three of the best regular season Vandy teams in recent decades – flop on their face in the NCAA Tournament. It’s entirely possible that could happen again. But it’s also possible that this team gets its act together and makes a run. Experts – actual experts, not couch slouches like you and me – seem to think this team and this coach are capable of pulling off such a run. I don’t understand why the team’s fans would write them off at this point in the season – even after a rough week.
Hyperbole to prove a point
I think your statement about Vandy making more NCAA tournaments under Stallings than in the three decades before him is a silly statement… That is just not factually true. Why would you say that? Doesn’t everyone have Wikipedia? Ironic that you used hyperbole in a post where you knock someone for using hyperbole… I believe that is called hypocrisy.
Apologies
I miscounted by one (must have blended ‘88 and ’89 into one. Also, I admittedly was counting this year. Still, I think the overall point stands despite my struggles with math, wouldn’t you agree?
Before Stallings arrived, we went in 1997, 1993, 1991, 1989, 1988, and 1974. Since he arrived, we’ve gone in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and hopefully 2012.
This also would be the first time in Vanderbilt history that we’ve been to three consecutive tournaments. While that certainly is not the end goal, it’s no small accomplishment for this program.
Also
I think most Vanderbilt fans would agree that we should have gone in 2000. Not saying that should count, but I think it has to be considered when measuring success under this coach.
I would have said “since 1966,” but it’s tough to compare today’s game to a game in which only one team per conference advanced (as was the case prior to ’75).
It kinda looks like a cycle?
I think we know that the “not so happy portion” of the cycle is coming soon. I hope we make the tourney this year and make a huge run. My guess is that stallings would check out on top and we would all be terribly happy with his career and contribution to the school. I think the far of most is that we lose some loseable games down the stretch and miss the dance – or bow out in the first round – and he sticks around to pull the paycheck while we relive 2001-2003 (ie 60 point loss to UK). The program is going to need a lot of energy and excitement next year for the depleated crew that is coming back – I am not sure those are Stallings’ best characteristics. I will admit – he loves being the underdog with low expectations, so maybe it is good that we get rid of all of this talent.
I would have no problem with Stallings checking out
As long as it is his decision. In some ways, it would be perfect timing given what’s left in the cupboard.
I just don’t support firing him. I think firing him would have longterm term negative ramifications on the program.
by Vandy Dan on Feb 4, 2012 7:33 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Getting out of hand
13-2 run thanks to the same shit we saw vs. Arkansas. Defense getting lost and inability to beat the press.
Wow,
we are playing really really well today. Can’t imagine this club actually making a shot or at even having more FGs than TOs. What a concept that would be.
And on defense, maybe not leaving guys open for 3?
Our execution so far reminds em of earlier this morning
When I tried to get Mumford and Sons tickets at 10:01.
This day sucks so far.
Ball Handling
We don’t have the best ball handlers bringing the ball up court. I am getting very disgusted!
We need
the trainers to apply copious amounts of smelling salts.
Anchor of Gold
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Oh hell, there's a great idea
Two guys in the stands, one holding a CALL A TIMEOUT sign, the other shining a laser pointer at it.
Stallings gets entranced by the red shiny and calls a timeout to go chase the sign-waver.
that is Vanderbilt basketball
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:37 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
flamethrower
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:38 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
and from 25 feet
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:40 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
There are schools that I hate more
But there is no team that pisses me off more to play. Flops and 3s. Often at the same time.
Unless Fes learns to do something other than drop-step as soon as he gets the ball in the post,
He’ll never do anything at the next level.
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 1:41 PM EST reply actions
flamethrower
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:41 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Difference in the game
bench points. 9-0
Anchor of Gold
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What happened to our bench?
Didn’t they go 0-fer against MTSU last weekend?
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
thank goodness for a block on UF
They do exist!!!
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:44 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Why does no one have a hook shot anymore?
Bob’s comment got me wondering.
It basically cannot be defended except by double team and, by the standards of basketball shots, aren’t that hard to shoot if you’re within six feet or so.
3>2
Why practice a hook when you can jack up threes?
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:47 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I know Ricardo Ratliffe does at Missouri
mainly because he’s undersized at his position though.
Stokes has one for UT
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Oh, look, it's defense
Leading to transition offense. This concept…it’s so…novel.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Nice to see the team fighting back
I was worried we were heading for another O-Dome blowout at 32-23. Still possible, but nice to see the team fighting back.
I just don't understand why the fight instinct only coms out in spurts.
We could be deadly if it persisted for an entire 40 minutes.
Yeah, hard to figure...
I avoid the sports psychoanalysis – especially at the college level – but I keep hoping the effort we see in spurts will turn into an entire game.
Man, you guys are jaded.
Reading through this thread makes me want to go invest in prozak
No kidding
This place is becoming more and more like a typical sports message board. Price of popularity I guess. Everyone is an expert except the coaches, players, and administration…
Over the back much?
No? Ok…
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Taylor!!!!
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:52 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
All things considered
We do have to feel pretty good about that
Good close to the half
Jeff is a beast.
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set a screen
CKS needs to set better screens if he is on the court in the second half.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 1:54 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
there’s really no excuse, given his size.
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 4, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
I missed the entire first half (stupid time zones)
Can someone give me a quick update of how we look?
Bad shooting by both teams to start, then good shooting by UF accompanied by poor defense and difficulty with the press by us, with subsequent good defense by us and we cut the lead to 3.
1st third of the half – We looked terrible, so did Florida
2nd third of the half – We looked terrible, Florida looked better
3rd third of the half – We looked good, Florida looked okay.
Overall, I actually think we’re playing hard, but WAY too many turnovers. We’ve really struggled against the press. Not totally on Tinsley either. Defense looks good, but has shown some of the problems on the perimeter that plagued us against MSU and Ark. Shooting has been awful, but defense has helped keep us close.
If we keep up the defense and shoot better, we can win this one.
The press
It’s not really on Tinsley, it’s more on everyone else. At times we seem to have no plan to get it inbounds. Then when we do, Tinsley doesn’t have the help he needs. We did successfully handle the press at least 3 times and missed 2 layups and 1 three.
Right
That was the point I tried to make, albeit inartfully. I thought Tinsley shouldered much of the blame against Arkansas. Today, I think it is spread around (Lance, Johnson, Taylor, others). I actually think we’re trying new things (not just the same Tinsley to Taylor break we tried against Arkansas), but they are not working.
Run and Jumps are hard
To handle them successfully a large percentage of the time, you need more than one guy on the floor who can handle it and pass. Not sure we have a lineup that gives us both of those things.
Go Harder.
Agreed
It seems to be schizophrenic – either almost make points or turnover/broken play. At USC it was make points or turnover, which I much prefer.
The best way to handle the press
Play defense then collect the ball with a turnover or rebound. That was really what worked best for us.
corners
Just cannot dribble to the corners and get trapped. Go right up the middle, dish and create a break opportunity.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:08 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
offense: looks like we’ve never practiced against full court press. started cold, insisted on running dribble and shoot basketball rather than, you know plays. then JJ made a few shots and we ran some sets and got some turnover and fastbreaks.
Defense: look slow, old, and have butter fingers on rebounding
Interesting
that we ended the half with Lance at the 5 and Rod at the 4. Defiinitely trying to get more speed on the court
That’s also a press breaker. It’s five guys who can handle it. Well, Rodom can sorta handle it. More so than Festus.
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 4, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Really hoping
to see the team come out of the gates hot in the second half.
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bench points?
Can someone make a positive contribution this half? Please?
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:00 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
This is what I love about Vandy fans.
Even in our pessimism we are the most optimistic people I know.
Halftime
OK Coach now lets devise some good coaching at halftime. We have the studs to take this game. Now give us a plan!!!!
the zone looked pretty effective, we got beat off the dribble less. Their speed off the dribble and passing ability actually may make them more dangerous from three in the man than the zone, which is uncommon.
If I recall we had success with zone at Marquette, however Marquette is not in the same shooting league as UF.
They’d kill us with the three if we zoned them more than a little, however, they are kind of killing us with the three anyway, so who knows.
Depends on if they have a zone offense
Which admittedly I’m not up to speed on. You don’t automatically get open looks against a zone, just ask Alabama.
Go Harder.
contested 3 I can live with
and they made a lot of contested 3s, especially in the corner. Its the open ones that really hurt us
We can win
We just need to start strong….and then finish strong…..and not blow it in between
Nice move by JT
Though the iron was quite unkind.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
get a body bag!!!!
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:14 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Defense
Looks great to start the half. Basket by Walker was on a break. Not much that could have been done there.
Need to take advantage at the other end.
How about this
Playing like a basketball team.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Fucking rebounds
All’s well that ends well, but can’t give them so many chances. They are not going to miss 6 in a row too often.
Agreed
Need to extend the lead for the inevitable run that is coming.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
take it
Need to take advantage when gators are cold.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:20 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Dodged a bullet
on that two OREB possession by UF.
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Yep, we got lucky in that stretch
I thought Taylor would drop that baseline jumper. Thats one of his best moves
That was...ugly
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Ball Handling
Idiots. Have the wrong people handling the ball. Start coaching Stallings.
feed the man
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:26 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Young has 3 fouls
Go to Fez about 3 possessions in a row.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
JJ!!
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:29 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
I mean that call could not have been more atrocious
The official behind the play, WITH THE WORST POSSIBLE VIEW, called the most difficult to determine correctly call in college basketball.
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Hate hate hate that call
Refs are easily influenced by the home crowd.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
"They're denying the ball to our point guard" > "We can't get the ball to our point guard"
I think that’s as far as this logic gets.
Go Harder.
We better get that call next weekend...
but we won’t b/c the fan split in our gym will be a bit different than the split in the O-Dome.
There was a robust discussion about this at RTT after UK ate up extra tickets in Knoxville
To the extent possible, people in direct control of their tickets need to NOT sell them.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
And they use their hands to steer us on every play. But that’s pretty typical officiating. If you weren’t allowed to foul, the press would not work. Ever.
steering, pass interference
What’s the difference
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:33 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Bad call on Taylor
That was a terrible call. I mean really terrible.
The run is upon us
Deal with it.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
steered?
Fouled?
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:36 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
They aren't in panic mode or anything, though
I can live with a three going in and out and a bad roll on a layup.
Press
I just really don’t understand how with this senior of a team, the press seems to be a surprise and causes so much confusion. Amazing
What happened to stacking 4 guys on our end on the press?
It was actually working
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 2:38 PM EST reply actions
Offensive Rebounds
Have I missed something? Why, on every shot, are there no Vanderbilt jerseys underneath the rim (excluding MAYBE Festus)? It pisses me off to watch them not do something I’ve been taught since I was 10.
12-0
What’s it going to be, Dores?
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
I can haz bench points!!!
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:39 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Mini spurt
2 good trips to stem the tide a touch.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
7-0 so far .
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:45 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I didn't think so
But my opinion matters very little.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Skynet!
Nice post move
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:41 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Really a shame that we struggle so much with Run and Jump
Because our transition offense >>>>>>>>>>>> half court offense
Go Harder.
moving screens
I just want one call on UF before the end of the game.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:44 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
FLAMETHROWER
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
OGKF
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:45 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
I was about to praise him
He’s been in for this nice response…but dammit.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Fuller
Why is he playing? Just made a terrible play!
Note from CKS to Staff:
1. Practice breaking the zone
2. Practice breaking the zone
3. Practice breaking the zone
That is all
DAMMIT, JOHN!
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH…2 free points just left on the line.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
big defensive stop needed here
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:49 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
this.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:51 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
BTW, to people stuck with BEast basketball
CBS just switched to our game if you’d prefer to watch it on the real TV.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
need this 1 and 1
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:53 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Absolutely
C’mon, Fez…
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
bleep.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 2:56 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Make our free throws and this is tied.
Oh well. Still in good shape here.
god dangit JJ
Just be patient and get set up…
I currently star in the new MTV3 series,
"Jersey Shore: Lake Erie Edition"
Cleveland Rocks!
got to finish
To make this a and-one.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 3:00 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
nice work Fes
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 3:00 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Dagger
Ball game.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
jt responds . . .
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 3:02 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
UF will have to miss some FTs
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Can I declare it over now?
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
only if CKS fouls on the inbound play
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 3:05 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I love Tinsley's heart...
But we need to get the ball out of his hands at the end of games. Oregon St. is the outlier, not the other way around.
sigh
I thought groundhog day was yesterday…
I currently star in the new MTV3 series,
"Jersey Shore: Lake Erie Edition"
Cleveland Rocks!
TOs & free throws
Fire stallings. Dude can’t teach a team to break a press.
Big difference
But bench points and turnovers are the big headlines here. FTs are just even more necessary when you make other mistakes and only go 5-deep.
NCAA Tourney
Unless this team can learn how to break a press in the next 5 weeks…NCAA will end in the second round…. All descent teams will press the h*#l out of Vandy….
It's certainly a weakness
But a press isn’t something you can just throw together in a practice or two before the tournament.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Press
We don’t look like we have ever practised it.
Oh, I certainly agree
I’m just saying not everybody is Arkansas or Florida.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
bench
How can the starters play this load without any production of the bench? I wonder how many 2nd half jumpers are missed with the minutes piling up.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 4, 2012 3:10 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Bench attempted 2 shots this afternoon:
We need more possessions to get them more shots, but we turn the ball over too much
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
I hope you're right...
about us making it to the 2nd round.
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 4, 2012 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Backs against the wall?
Two must wins this week.
Anchor of Gold
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Can't overlook LSU
But would love to stomp them to set up the big one on Saturday.
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Oh well
I guess the bright side is that this was probably our toughest week of the season. Next week is huge. We HAVE to get back on track.
Tinsley
Once again, Brad Tinsley has our last possession and wastes it! Won’t we ever learn?
what other option do we have!!
kedren would be no better! unless you plan on waving a magic wand and giving us a pg that can deliver in the clutch then we dont have much options
Most glaring box score stat:
Lance took 1 more shot than Festus and just 3 fewer than JT and JJ. Also led the team in turnovers (4). That should not happen; he should only touch the ball on offense after we’ve shot and he’s gotten the rebound.
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 3:09 PM EST reply actions
Florida did a good job
of keying on Festus and Jenkins. Sure, Taylor got his, but what the guy with the most open looks was Lance. He made a big three early, but struggled the rest of the day. He also struggled to put back some great offensive rebounds.
I would've liked BT to be the guy to step up and take Lance's 10 shots today,
but I guess credit is due to UF for forcing the ball into Lance’s hands more than we would’ve liked.
by Bob_Loblaw_Law_Blog on Feb 4, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
Often that early 3 is followed by a productive night by Lance. I think Lance has realized that he is more athletic than most on the court, but needs to play within his abilities and not create as much. I think he’s a big X-factor. When he’s productive with points as well as defense and rebounding, it is a good boost and opens up the offense. To be cliche, he needs to let the game come to him.
Silver lining?
Jeff Taylor. Really elevating his play. Very proud of him.
Now if JJ would start hitting, Festus start playing like a man around the rim [FINISH STRONG BIG FELLA], Lance apply a healthy amount of stick ’em to his hands, and Brad play within himself…
Anchor of Gold
Facebook: AOG
Follow @AnchorOfGold
Follow @JAWiv
Too many if's
Maybe we were foolish to assume that they’d finally put it all together this time around…
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Kentucky is not a must win
Which is lucky because it’s very nearly a can’t win. Our only chance is if they play terribly.
Kentucky is not close to a can't win
While we’re hardly the favorites, Kentucky has only beaten us once in Memorial since 2005. This Kentucky team is very good, but hardly unbeatable. It will take a much better effort than what we saw this week.
I hope our fans show more heart than the team showed this week and pack Memorial on Saturday.
You going to be betting any money on Vandy?
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 4, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
Depends on the points
But there have been a few times since 2005 when I would not have bet on Vandy at home against Kentucky. Only once was not betting on Vandy the right call – and that game came down to two points.
Ironically
The one time I was in Vegas and bet heavy on Vandy coincided with our only loss in recent years. We were one point underdogs and ended up losing by two.
I hate points
All bets should be based on odds. Points ask you to be on something that the people on the court are not attempting to do.
No team is trying to win by ten. They just try to win. And you can rightly analyze everything about the game and lose on points.
You can rightly predict a tight game and watch a team go from three down with 30 seconds, get unlucky in the foul game and then lose by 12, so all the world reads the score the next day and sees a blowout.
Or you watch the coach of the team you just bet to win by blowout stick the deep bench late in while the other coach, worried about the RPI, leaves the starters in to narrow the gap. And the blowout you accurately predicted becomes a five point win.
Okay, irrelevant tangent over.
Bottom line: I don’t know if we’re going to lose by 15 or lose by six, but I don’t think we have more than a one in six shot of victory. We could win, certainly, particularly with a team as talented as this, but the odds are way against us.
Fortunately, I do not think we’re anywhere near the point when we need to beat the number one team in the nation to protect our tourney bid, so it’s not a must win. LSU is a must win.
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 4, 2012 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
Disagree
If, for no other reason, Kentucky has only won once in its last six shots at Memorial.
When we beat #1 Florida in 2007 – a team that I think was superior to this Kentucky team – we were coming off two similarly disappointing road losses (10-point loss to Florida and a blowout loss at Tennessee) and a win at home over a mediocre opponent (South Carolina).
Likewise, when we beat #4 Kentucky in 2004, we were coming off a similarly discouraging loss at Arkansas and a home loss to South Carolina. We responded with a six point win.
Both wins helped catapult Vandy teams on nice tournament runs. I hope we see a similar result on Saturday and an even better postseason result. Recent struggles aside, I think this team has the ability to exceed those runs in 2004 and 2007.
I see a rebound and win against Kentucky
Why not? The team has too many good parts to not go on a good run and I think it starts now. We always step up at home against top competition some point during the season and this is it. On a side note, ifI were an opposing coach I would press the whole game as our ball-handling is atrocious.
This team
could either lose in the first round or go all the way honestly i wouldnt be suprised with either. We play to our level of competition with the exceptions of really pieces of shit like auburn or ole miss. Honestly im starting to be of the opinion that none of the games really matter until the tourney because basically any team that is capable of making the tourney is capable of beating us and were capable of giving any team in the tourney a game. Unfortunately we give good teams a game but we dont beat them
You wouldn’t be suprised if this team goes all the way? The only thing more suprising than that would be if I woke up tomorrow morning with my head sown to the carpet.
Let’s start with winning a 1st round game. That is something we would all love to see.
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 4, 2012 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
First Round
I believe that this team does have the talent and experience to make it out of the first round. The second round is a totally different story. There are some glaring deficiencies in technique not talent that make a second round victory uh “iffy”…. Time for some serious coaching…
not well formed thoughts
I don’t want to give up on this team. We have lots of talented individuals that have been pretty out of sync all season. Besides the Marquette game, we really haven’t been able to get it together. If CKS can’t fix it before the NCAA Tournament, I have serious doubts we’ll get past the second round.
CKS has done a lot a lot for the program. I personally think he took them from being just a school that makes the NCAA Tournament every couple of years into a team that expects to go far most years. The problem is that the teams never actually get that far when the time comes. Maybe it’s time for the administration to look for someone who can push the team over the hump.
Just my 2¢…
I currently star in the new MTV3 series,
"Jersey Shore: Lake Erie Edition"
Cleveland Rocks!
fuck vanderbilt
i got 2 tests the monday after the kentucky game
NBA
Honestly, we have 1 NBA lottery pick, 1 1st/ 2nd round pick and Adam Morrison part 2. Taylor is rising to the challenge; Fes has the body and the potential and JJ is a pretty one-dimensional sharp shooter. I think the last three games have shown that the success of this team is dependent upon Lance, Brad and the bench. When the latter does not contribute, then this team is in trouble.
JJ
The pros will eat his lunch on defense. He needs to work on that first.
JJ
He should stay another year. However, I believe that he tests the draft because if he comes back, SEC defenses will key on him the entire game because the surrounding talent on the team will be so diminished and his stats will most likely go down vs. this year.
Puzzled
How can we play the 12th ranked team close, on the road, and still look bad? The way it looked to me, we should have lost by 15-20, but we were in it to the last minute. What the hell am I missing? I am confused by this team and continue to hope we put it all together before tournament time.
Vandy was in it because Florida was bricking layups and having them go in-and-out on clean looks at the basket from hard penetrations and cuts. The game shouldn’t have been and wasn’t as close as the final score.
by Obi_Ugochukwu on Feb 5, 2012 1:50 AM EST up reply actions
did you just say that the game wasn’t as close as it appeared because if florida had played better it wouldn’t have been as close?
No
I stated that Florida played very well and got to the basket, but the shots just didn’t fall, and that it could have been much worse for Vandy had they gone in as they usually would. If you watched the game you’d know what I’m talking about.
by Obi_Ugochukwu on Feb 6, 2012 12:47 AM EST up reply actions
I just realized something!
If all those lay ups and 3 point shots that Vandy missed had instead – make sure you’re sitting down – gone in the basket, we would have easily won this game. Now I realize that the final score is not indicative of how the teams played, because had we made all those shots we would have blown Florida out of the gym.
I’m gonna pass these revelations on to CKS – tell the guys to just make the shots, problem solved.
See you next time.
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 6, 2012 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
Whatever
We won, so I don’t really care. Enjoy your 1st round exit…again.
by Obi_Ugochukwu on Feb 6, 2012 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
Whatever Part 2
So I guess if you’d made those shots last night you wouldn’t have gotten blown off the court by Ky?
Dude
If you had watched the game, you would realize that Florida pretty much dominated UK the whole game, and if they hadn’t missed any shots or had any turnovers or committed any fouls, they would have easily won.
Seriously though, what does this guy expect. If you come over to another team’s blog to comment after your team just beat their’s, you are limited to two types of comments: (1) We won this time, but your team looked good, I was impressed with [insert player]’s performance, etc. Or (2) A comment that elucidates some aspect of their team that a fan of that team would only know.
It is not okay to come to another board and say that the game was not as close as the score indicated. And when people call you on it to throw back into our faces our recent painful tournament performances.
For the record, I hope UF does well in the tournament.
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 8, 2012 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
Talent
We have a lot of talent but a couple of weak spots that we have to overcome. We must devise a better strategy of bringing the ball up court. It ain’t rocket science. And we let Tinsley shoot too much. That can be fixed. Stallings, get on the stick!!!!
Stallings
Is there* ever a call where he doesn’t whine about the decision?
In All Kinds Of Weather... @TheRealTScott, follow me!
he's no Jim Boeheim
Although the gold standard is Wimp Sanderson, who never had a single call correctly assessed against his team in his entire coaching career. ;)
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
by VandyImport on Feb 5, 2012 3:39 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
OK, now that I'm done...
Missed the whole game owing to taking folks to the airport and searching for smoker-friendly firewood (anybody wanna bring a cord of hickory to the tailgate at Furd?) but from what I can gather, the big problem is we collapse in the face of a press. Which makes sense I suppose given how shallow our bench is playing – cant run and gun and keep up.
I honestly didn’t expect to win this one in Florida but I’ll be disappointed if we don’t take the return match. Meanwhile, we can’t look past LSU…bombs away and let’s not make it close plz.
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
by VandyImport on Feb 5, 2012 3:43 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Correct. In two straight games we have fallen apart against the press. The only time we were able to look good against UF (and take the lead) was when they were not pressing. We really have some work to do. I think LSU, Ole Miss, UGA, USC, and UT are must win games. However, if we can’t figure out how to deal with the press then it won’t matter.
not two strait games...
three plus years. I really think that CKS thinks we should be able to break it and get a layup every time we are pressed. He seems to focus on getting the big pass down the court for a man advantage. However, it rarely works that way. We also force the ball upcourt after turnovers, and turn the ball over a disproportionate amount. I’m really surprised he doesn’t tell them to set screens, slow the ball down, and get into a half court offense where fes is much more useful. It’s like he wants to run and gun regardless of personnel.
Fall into oblivion
or become a contender. That’s what these next 2-3 weeks are about. All games from here on out barring at Rupp Arena are winnable. Honestly with how UK is playing and how bad we look I’m not really sure we can win this game Saturday but we’ll see. If the team can beat LSU, and somehow upset UK, there are two winnable road games at Ole Miss, Georgia and then back home at South Carolina. A 5 game winning streak would go a long way for these guys and it’s definitely possible and puts us back in this thing. Or, we lose UK, and at Ole Miss and heavens forbid we fall at UGA (definitely don’t think this happens tho). If we can win these next 5, I’ll believe again. We drop any of them, I’ll really be lost on this team and will be very upset if Stallings shows up next year.

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