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Tennessee Sports
This is not Rocky Top, but talk UT Sports here anyway.
It sure seemed that way last night, especially after scoring the last two huge baskets last night. The announcers alluded to the fact that perhaps Lofton is having a difficult time adjusting to the fact that he is not the big cheese anymore and possibly could attribute to his slow (for him) start.
I think only the season will tell. I like JuJuan a lot. Lofton has already proven himself. I think it is clear thus far that we are a much more well-rounded team than in years past and do not have to depend on Lofton hitting all kinds of 3's to win a game. We have great players all over the court that can put up points on any given night.
I am not exactly sure, but it was probably due to arguing about a lot of contact that was not being called. Chism went up for a dunk on one play and was basically body slammed although the actual block was clean. The refs were fair though as they let a lot of fouls by UT go as well.
This is how i've always put it (since getting to college 3 years ago). Chris Lofton is our best pure shooter, hands down. I still think if it comes down to needing someone to step up, its him. The best PLAYER is JaJuan Smith. He risked his body as much as Dane Bradshaw, and I say he is better than Dane because JaJuan will actually make the shot .
If JaJuan continues to really lead the team, I wouldn't be suprised if he became a darkhorse (once walk-on) All-American.
On Tyler Smith, I know he transferred in from Iowa this year so he would normally sit out, but I was curious as to what his hardship was that got him around it. I think it was an ill family member?
Tyler Smith is UT's most COMPLETE player. He may not be the highest % shooter, or the best dribbler, or whatever, but it's like nitpicking. He's hands down the best all-around player on UT's squad (NOT JaJuan....just because he has a higher PPG.)
I believe in time you guys will see just what I'm talking about. Lofton can shoot, but that's about it. His defense isn't all that......
Tyler Smith is UT's most COMPLETE player. He may not be the highest % shooter, or the best dribbler, or whatever, but it's like nitpicking. He's hands down the best all-around player on UT's squad (NOT JaJuan....just because he has a higher PPG.)
I believe in time you guys will see just what I'm talking about. Lofton can shoot, but that's about it. His defense isn't all that......
Tyler Smith is UT's most COMPLETE player. He may not be the highest % shooter, or the best dribbler, or whatever, but it's like nitpicking. He's hands down the best all-around player on UT's squad (NOT JaJuan....just because he has a higher PPG.)
I believe in time you guys will see just what I'm talking about. Lofton can shoot, but that's about it. His defense isn't all that......
If the caps "NOT" was for me, then I'll defend my statement. I said that JaJuan was the best player because he has always been so scrappy. In my opinion, he was just as scrappy and multi-talented as Dane Bradshaw. Dane, last year, was almost being touted as one of our best players for his drive and attempt to succeed. The reason I think JaJuan was the best and probably still is the best is because he still has the best internal drive. Most players on our team will go for a ball as it goes out of bounds and try to throw it back in. Jajuan will go for that ball, attempt to set his feet inbounds, then get the time-out with posession. His will to play, plus the fact that he can actually makes shots from down-low (dunking), outside (treys), and from the line (free throws), makes him (to me) the best player.
Right now I think it is Tyler. That is evident in the fact he got the ball and delivered on the last two possessions. Jujuan is a close second and if Lofton gets hot he can make some noise too. I think Lofton is a little more rounded than just shooting. He has a good move to the basket and he gets a lot of steals. I know he is not the greatest man defender.