25-26 Season

Looks like we just got our last piece to the puzzle.

https://x.com/TiptonEdits/status/1946254939723800797

This will be a much different team than last year's team or the previous one. No three point gunner at the off-guard to light up the scoreboard, but more versatility and beef down low, plus a young top 5 lottery pick at the SF position. No Zakai at the point, but a bigger one in Gillespie who can score. A lot of potential, but a lot of unknown quantities. My biggest questions:

1. How does this team fit together? Last year's team had incredible leadership with ZZ and Jahmai, an older group who experienced winning. The entire starting lineup, other than Okpara, will be new, though. Getting on the same page will be the ultimate question for success.

2. What kind of top 5 pick are we getting in Ament? Kid is probably going to be a high level NBA player. I just hope we aren't getting the potential-only version of Ament instead of the one which may be physically overwhelmed at times but also pops 30 from time to time.

3. We got bigger on the inside. Can they do more than just dunk and collect rebounds? We need them to step out and hit some shots as well as learn some pivot moves on the block with a little hook or something.

I imagine a third Elite 8 would be a gigantic ask as a Tennessee basketball fan, but, man, at some point, we've got to break through to the third weekend. This team, on paper, has a chance.

 

With Aments frame, even if he added 20lbs not sure it would make a difference this year. That’s the main concern with me. But maybe it won’t matter. Brandon Miller was a twig at Bama.

 

They are calling Ament baby Durant. Looking forward to watching him.

 

That sounds very encouraging

 

He hurt his wrist but I kinda don’t mind it if it’s not a big deal as he will get more core and leg work in while injured.

 

Apparently Barnes has some shooting drill/competition that he’s used pretty much his whole coaching career and the only two players that have ever been able to complete it are Durant and Ament.

 

All I see is 10 loss season w first round exit coming.

 

I think this is the year Tennessee wins the trip crown with football, basketball, and baseball while also annexing everything north of the Tennessee River plus an 865 foot buffer.

 

That was Chaz last year

 

Could have sworn I heard one of the Sports Talk guys say it about Ament, which they very likely could have and been completely wrong since we have the worst sports talk options for a city this size.

 

https://allfortennessee.com/posts/c...essee-basketball-player-has-done-01j17x1th4kk

Yep they remain terrible.

 

Yeah there is no one on 99.1 worth listening to afaik. In retrospect Hyams was probably their sharpest tool. They would be better off just bringing in the volquest guys continuously

 

Their wave of new guys the last decade were terrible. Haven’t listened in 3-4 years though so not sure if it’s the same people.

Probably right about Jiminy. Josh Ward didn’t bother me at least. FSK has mostly gone to shit too. Letting the talent they had walk and replacing with interns and fresh graduates. I enjoy listening to Cody in the morning for his comedic value but if it’s only about 20% sports. Russell can’t carry the whole station.

 

Our bigs are big and this Brown kid will be hard to keep off the floor. Cade may have to play some 3

edit I posted a YouTube of practice and it says it’s here but not showing.

 

I saw the video and Brown is a load down low, built like a 25 year old man and has nice touch around the rim.

 

Dewayne Brown huh?

 

https://x.com/cbkreport/status/1954236235293049158?s=46&t=iwp0XoKkzOeulwqK2zCVoQ

Man someone is very absent from this list…that’s a shame.

 

To be fair, they said “notable teams”

 

This list makes the no final fours sting a bit more.

 

https://x.com/bigtimehoopsme/status/1958183231066358106?s=46