Pons gets discounted because he's much older than the freshmen and is closer to his ceiling. He's incredible, but idk if he's much more than a late 2nd rounder. Would love to be wrong.
I bet he goes early to mid 2nd round on athleticism and defensive instincts alone. But what the hell do I know? If he can develop an offensive game, I think he can be a solid NBA contributor.
The only real issue I'm seeing is we don't have a quick trigger shooter other than Bailey as we swing the ball. But, that's about it, right now. We're killing it in so many areas.
So the level defense that is acceptable to you is the best defense I've seen from a Vols team. Not knocking it, just observing.
You usually comment on the defense not being up to snuff. This time you didn't. And I can see the difference, they've been smothering. The officiating is the only reason Missouri breaks 40.
I would say me calling "killing it" is above being up to snuff, but even the announcer tonight noted his observation of some defensive deficiencies from the team two years ago. The thing is we have had some glaring defensive holes the last few years, but we went from decent/above average to suffocating this year, bypassing pretty good, really good and excellent.