While the last two teams the Vols played have been defensively challenged to say the least, one really cool and encouraging thing to see is that Coach Barnes clearly challenged this team a few games ago to speed up their half court offense. By that I don't mean run or fast break but that in their half court offense they are moving as players and moving the ball much faster.
I noticed it after the Vanderbilt game. What is really encouraging is that I think the Ole Miss game is the first time that I think they have grown more accustomed to the new pace. They are even getting shots up quicker (not earlier in the shot clock but faster once catching the final pass). This should negate the length disadvantage and if they can continue playing half court offense at that pace they are going to be hard to beat.
Its probably also why more players are getting minutes as they are playing half court offense at a dizzying pace. I'm concerned about Bowden getting use to shooting that way as I think it has greatly contributed to his shooting slump but the rest of the team seems to be clicking with it.
I noticed it after the Vanderbilt game. What is really encouraging is that I think the Ole Miss game is the first time that I think they have grown more accustomed to the new pace. They are even getting shots up quicker (not earlier in the shot clock but faster once catching the final pass). This should negate the length disadvantage and if they can continue playing half court offense at that pace they are going to be hard to beat.
Its probably also why more players are getting minutes as they are playing half court offense at a dizzying pace. I'm concerned about Bowden getting use to shooting that way as I think it has greatly contributed to his shooting slump but the rest of the team seems to be clicking with it.
