Back from Tampa

[graddawg]

Here are a few observations, which I'm sure have all been covered:

Phil Turner is an absolute gamer that just seems to always be in the right spot at the right time.

SEC officiating is horrendous and the NBA scouts that sat near me agree. They said it's by far the worst in any of the power conferences.

Tampa was a damn good time even if attendance was down. If you took that same set up and put it in a different location that was convenient for more SEC teams it would make for a great tournament.

The scout I sat next to at Saturday's game loves JV as a college player but said he'd be insane to come out this year. He asked, "where would you play him in the NBA?," and that he isn't even on most teams radars. Along the same lines, he said it was obvious that we needed a new meal plan on campus after getting a look at JV and Ravern.

Bruce Pearl's daughter is loud, annoying and is built like she belongs on the front row of the Rowdies. His girlfriend and her daughter are knockouts though.

I think the thing I'm most pleased about from Saturday and Sunday is the fact we beat two teams that are bigger and stronger without shooting the ball particularly well in either game. The guys scrapped their way to Ws and absolutely refused to lose.

Anyone that thinks Kodi should have been starting over Phil after the last two games, especially yesterday, doesn't know a damn thing about basketball.

Edit to add Dan Mullen and Buck Showalter were at the game together. Can't believe I forgot to mention that.

 

[CivilEngineerDog]

anticipating a pass and making a steal. Kodi has other attributes, but is no where near Phil in the intangibles.

 

[SWFLDawg]

First time have have seen this team play in person and Phil is even more impressive live than on TV. He's doing the things that aren't necessarily on camera. He has absolutely no fear. He's always in the mix under the boards with his elbows above the rim. I am shocked he was not on the all tourney team.

And Kodi, the best way I can describe him is goofy. Like a big puppy. He's definitely got skills but not enough body control. And he has far less BB IQ than the other four on the court. Once when LSU was shooting free throws, he was supposed to be lined up closes to the goal, but he was standing off to the side watching. Bost goes over and yells at him and drags him into place.

I know Barry gets some hate on this board, but the thing I like about him is he plays pissed off.

 

[graddawg]

First time have have seen this team play in person and Phil is even more impressive live than on TV. He's doing the things that aren't necessarily on camera. He has absolutely no fear. He's always in the mix under the boards with his elbows above the rim. I am shocked he was not on the all tourney team.

And Kodi, the best way I can describe him is goofy. Like a big puppy. He's definitely got skills but not enough body control. And he has far less BB IQ than the other four on the court. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Once when LSU was shooting free throws, he was supposed to be lined up closes to the goal, but he was standing off to the side watching. Bost goes over and yells at him and drags him into place.</span>

I know Barry gets some hate on this board, but the thing I like about him is he plays pissed off.

That was sort of Rick's fault because he kept calling Kodi over to tell him something while everyone else was yelling for him to get on the block. He was caught in the middle and had no idea who to listen to.

 

[lawdawg02]

yesterday, he had 12 points (two BIG deep 3's and 6-6 FT), led all players with 10 boards, and also had 2 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks with only 1 turnover. the defense he played on tyler smith was outstanding, especially the blocks (6'3" blocking the turnaround jumper of 6'7"). his hustle on the late inbounds plays created the 5 second call and the turnover/foul.

phil can jump out of the gym and like someone else said, plays in the paint without fear. his rebounding and defense will be a big part of the game thursday against some taller guys. hopefully he can make some outside shots to spread their defense.

 

[Coach34]

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