Rick Barnes shares key to rebounding success against Illinois

Illinois has been one of the best rebounding teams so far this season. That’s why Rick Barnes was as proud of his team as he was after the Volunteers won the glass against the Fighting Illini in their 86-79 win on Saturday.

Barnes spoke about Tennessee’s plus-nine margin on the boards during his postgame press conference following the seven-point victory over Illinois in a Top-20 matchup. He said it was something they highlighted over and over again because of how much respect that they had for them when it comes to rebounding.

“It was a point of emphasis because we knew we were going to compete against one of the best rebounding teams in the country,” said Barnes. “They’re relentless. I think our guys knew that. They’re long, they do a great job of going to get it.”

“We knew, going into the game, that we’d harp on that this week,” Barnes said. “We talked about finishing plays defensively because they’re great at it. They come, they’re big and they’re long.”

On the season, Illinois is averaging 45 rebounds, which is good for seventh-best in the nation. However, against the Vols, they grabbed nearly a dozen off that average with 34.

Tennessee held them off inside by grabbing 43, tied for the second-most of the season after grabbing that many in their last game against George Mason as well. Six of the eight Volunteers grabbed four or more while four in Santiago Vescovi, Jonas Aidoo, Tobe Awaka, and Josiah-Jordan James nabbed six or more. Vescovi led the way for his team and in the game with nine total, two shy of his career-best.

Tennessee and Illinois got after it on Rocky Top this weekend. It was the Volunteers’ rebounding success, though, that helped them do enough to earn their sixth, and best, win of the season early on.

“We knew it was going to be a hard-fought, physical game and that’s exactly what, I think, people got,” said Barnes.

Barnes praises Vescovi’s play against Illinois

Santiago Vescovi was key in the 86-79 win for No. 17 Tennessee’s over No. 20 Illinois.

Rick Barnes was particularly complimentary of his fifth-year senior after the game considering he saw the Vescovi of old

“He’s been such a big part of who we had been the last couple years,” said Barnes. “To see him come out playing the way he did? He has kept a plan. He has had a tough semester. 

“(Vescovi) lost his grandmother. That’s hard. But he would say it has been hard academically. He’s serious about getting done what he wants to get done there. Just really proud of the fact that he and our older guys, I thought, really were well prepared for this game.”

Vescovi put up 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists.

While everyone knows Vescovi can score, Barnes opened up on what he provided against Illinois outside of actually taking the ball to the hoop.

“Aggressive mentality,” Barnes said. “I thought he was really aggressive and rebounding the ball.”

“And Santi goes down to score. I mean, we get that penetration. Jordan (Gainey) did it. ‘Z? He’s gonna do it. Josiah did it. We’ve gotta play inside-out. But when Santi’s bringing that aggressive mentality? I think it affects everyone.”