Gameday Today: regular season hoops homestretch, more football details emerge

Hoops

If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check out Will’s latest post on Tennessee basketball, which analyzes what, specifically, makes the team hum. Spoiler alert:

. . . Tennessee’s best basketball is a balanced effort from Williams, Schofield, Bowden from the arc, and getting just enough (but not too much) from its three guards.

The post is full of great information, so go read the whole thing.

Assuming they continue to do what they do, the Vols are in good shape to finish second in the SEC regular season race.

Also, there’s this fun fact about guard Jordan Bone:

Football

The Vols are not especially happy about losing punter Trevor Daniel, but they are excited about incoming punter Paxton Brooks, even if he is shaped like a chopstick.

They also love incoming defensive lineman John Mincey, the “Country Killer” who doesn’t have the time or inclination to waste on “Twitter, Snapchat, and all that stuff.” Old men everywhere, rejoice.

But while Jeremy Pruitt and his staff love these guys, he is actively discouraging any unrealistic expectations for them, warning that some of the positions they recruited this cycle are “developmental” positions that take time. What is this “development” wizardry you speak of?

By the way, Pruitt has also apparently told the media that his starters are supposed to be available for two special teams units and that non-starters are supposed to be available for three to four.

And even though the Vols might be in the market for a grad transfer or two at quarterback and/or offensive line, don’t expect anything to happen for a month or two on that front.

Tidbits

The No. 11 Lady Vols lost to Alabama 72-63 in Thompson-Boling last night. That’s the first time Alabama has won in Knoxville. Ever.

Tennessee baseball gets underway today against Maryland. The first pitch has been postponed until 6:00 due to weather.

ESPN and FOX are both after Peyton Manning for the broadcasting booth.