By Jimmy Hyams
As Tennessee takes on much-improved Missouri tonight at 9 p.m., the Vols can’t afford a misstep in their efforts to make the NCAA Tournament.
Right now, the Vols (12-4, 3-2 SEC) are in great shape. They have No. 13 NCAA RPI, a No. 3 strength of schedule and are a fifth-seed in the NCAA Tournament projection per Joe Lunardi of ESPN.
Missouri, which won eight games last year, is 12-5, 2-2 SEC. The Tigers have the No. 29 RPI and strength of schedule. They are led by Canisius grad transfer Kassius Robertson (16.0 points per game) and Texas transfer Jordan Barnett (15.2 ppg).
Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said he needs more consistency from his bench and from several players, such as Kyle Alexander, Lamonte Turner, Jordan Bone, James Daniel and Chris Darrington.
Interestingly, four of them are guards who can play the point.
Barnes said he’s coached players who became consistent and some that never did.
“I find that when they embrace it (their role) they normally get consistent with it,’ said Barnes.
Here are other comments from Monday’s press conference with Barnes and other observations:
* Barnes said Bone is playing better on-ball defense: “He’s playing harder than he’s ever played, I know that for a fact.’’ Barnes said Bone needs to know when to take himself out of a game earlier “so he doesn’t have lapses from fatigue.’’
* Barnes said he has asked Darrington to “embrace a couple of things and really understand the urgency of what we’re talking about.’’ Barnes said Darrington was as good as any player on team during Europe trip but hasn’t played that well recently. “He needs to embrace a role,’’ Barnes said.
* UT is second in the SEC in 3-point accuracy (.390) as three Vols have markedly improved their shooting: Bone, Admiral Schofield and Jordan Bowden. Bowden leads the SEC at 58.8% from distance; he shot 31.5% last year. Bone hit 30.4% last year but is making 41.7% this year. Schofield has climbed from 38.9% to 44.3%. The reasons: Shot selection, scheme and shots taken during the offseason.
* Although Grant Williams scored just 9 points (3×13 FGA) v. Texas A&M, Barnes said Williams “did a lot of good things’’ to help Vols win. “As much as we want him to score, we really need him to play defense and rebound,’’ said Barnes, who said he would take 12 points and 10 rebounds each game from Williams.
* Barnes said redshirt freshman forward John Fulkerson is showing more physicality as he posted up a couple of times v. Texas A&M. Barnes: “John needs to let guys know he wants the ball consistently. … I’ve said all along Fulky is a big key.’’
* Barnes said he isn’t sure if his team is motivated by being picked 13th in the SEC this season but added: “If that’s what guys need to do to motivate themselves, I’m for any of that. … Our motivation has got to be from wanting to be the best that we can be.’’ Barnes expects his team will be in many “dog fights’’ the rest of the season.
* Barnes said Schofield has done well moving from inside to the wing. “We never questioned his ability to shoot from perimeter,’’ Barnes said. “We need him to rebound. The last couple of games he’s been a physical presence on both boards.’’ Barnes said Schofield can play almost anywhere on the court.
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