DEAL DONE: Tennessee Vol signed a veteran of nine years…….

Up until that point, Tennessee basketball had a successful night. The Volunteers do exactly what was expected of

them as they speed out of the gates against a formidable Georgia Southern squad. Jonas Aidoo, a seven-foot big man,

was the focal point of the offense.

Aidoo set Tennessee up for a 49–21 lead, but things took a turn for the worst. The 326th-ranked team in KenPom

won the first half 35–25, and it appeared as though the Volunteers slept during the second half. The defensive effort

was just not as good as it had been in the beginning, and Tennessee’s attack went utterly silent.

Regarding his starters, Barnes commented, “It is really disappointing the way they came out and started the second

half.” “They ought to have exited the game in the same manner that we did. We discussed it, of course. We discussed

how it is normal and how disappointing it might be. It all comes down to consistency, discipline, mental toughness,

and other such qualities. In the second half, we were unable to finish it. These guys are the kind of leaders we want

them to be, as we discussed right away. It all comes down to being consistent. Not just for 20 minutes, but for 40, we

need to know what to expect from those older guys.

In the end, Tennessee prevailed 74–56.

If not Aidoo, then who Barnes

Who knows what would happen on Tuesday night if Aidoo hadn’t scored 29 points? Before the game ended, Barnes

sent a message by sitting James and Vescovi for the last 14 minutes.

They’ve been here longer than anyone else, Santi (JJJ). Barnes went on. That pair of guys is who I truly rely on.

Discuss it with them. They were not prepared. I would enlighten you. I’ve already told you this. Those minutes seem

valuable to me. I tell you, I don’t give a damn who it is. They will like and play with them if they are going to be

outside. The second half was just not very good basketball from the beginning.

Tennessee has intentionally faced a challenging stretch, as Barnes enjoys testing his teams’ limits well in advance of

the crucial next months. Despite being led by players with numerous years in the system and fifth-year seniors, this

squad has yet to reach its full potential.

The docket for non-conferences is also rapidly filling up. Before the grind of SEC play begins, Tennessee has just

three non-conference games remaining: home games against Tarleton State and Norfolk State, and NC State in San

Antonio.

This team is capable of more, and it probably depends on Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi finding their offensive

groove. It’s not quite the end of the world; Tennessee can still achieve all that people had believed was possible.

Just over three weeks remain for them to work things out before SEC competition kicks off on January 6.

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