The Athletic Article on Air Pons (DEFENSE)

[PirateVOL]

https://theathletic.com/2294364/2020/12/31/yves-pons-authors-mesmerizing-defensive-masterpiece-in-tennessees-blowout-win/

[Black Diamond Vol]

For every block he gets, Pons probably alters 3 more shots that don’t go on the stat sheet. But it’s not just him. Everyone on this team (save for Vescovi, who could probably stand to put on a few pounds) can defend. Watch the active hands out on the perimeter. Every pass is contested. If you pick up your dribble against this D, you better have a bailout option, because they will smother you.

I cringe at the talk that this team might be better than two years ago, because I loved that bunch so much. But they just might be.

[PirateVOL]

For every block he gets, Pons probably alters 3 more shots that don’t go on the stat sheet. But it’s not just him. Everyone on this team (save for Vescovi, who could probably stand to put on a few pounds) can defend. Watch the active hands out on the perimeter. Every pass is contested. If you pick up your dribble against this D, you better have a bailout option, because they will smother you.

I cringe at the talk that this team might be better than two years ago, because I loved that bunch so much. But they just might be.

They ARE better, but two years ago we had the stronger personalities of the Admiral and Grant, who both wanted the ball in key situations
This team, just about anybody can win the game for us if needed
The defense, out of this freaking world - when you have 2 5* come in and OWN defense that is the best you can hope for
Both Johnson and Springer can play the point but Keon is much more in control of himself and the team when he is at point

[murfvol]

I absolutely think this team is deeper than the version from two years ago. Are they better? That might be the case. They have a higher upside.

[Black Diamond Vol]

They ARE better, but two years ago we had the stronger personalities of the Admiral and Grant, who both wanted the ball in key situations
This team, just about anybody can win the game for us if needed
The defense, out of this freaking world - when you have 2 5* come in and OWN defense that is the best you can hope for
Both Johnson and Springer can play the point but Keon is much more in control of himself and the team when he is at point

There will come a time this year, and it may not come until March, when we need that strong personality who wants the ball in crunch time. Will it be Fulky? He seemed to be developing into that kind of player down the stretch last year, but he's been more unselfish so far this season. I don't know if Pons is skilled enough offensively to be that guy. It just might be one of the freshmen. But someone will need to eventually step up.

[murfvol]

There will come a time this year, and it may not come until March, when we need that strong personality who wants the ball in crunch time. Will it be Fulky? He seemed to be developing into that kind of player down the stretch last year, but he's been more unselfish so far this season. I don't know if Pons is skilled enough offensively to be that guy. It just might be one of the freshmen. But someone will need to eventually step up.

Good point BDV. At some we'll have to establish who takes the shot in crunch time. It seems we may have some options. This seems good.

[volsboy]

They should run the through the SEC this year. A lot of SEC teams are down, mainly UK and Auburn. If they don't play to their opponents level they will have a great year. I see no weakness in this team. Hopefully the Virus doesn't derail everybody.