Not that the Tennessee men’s basketball team was exactly in need of reinforcements, even after a Tuesday night loss to Kentucky, but some much-welcomed help’s on the way.
Sophomore forward Duke Crews could return to the lineup tonight when the No. 3 Volunteers welcome Georgia to Thompson-Boling Arena for a Southeastern Conference game at 7:05 (FSN South).
The 6-foot-7, 233-pound Crews hasn’t played since an echocardiogram Dec. 14 diagnosed him with a potential heart condition. Further examination and tests revealed it was only an “athlete’s heart.”
Crews has practiced fully with the team this week and coach Bruce Pearl said after Wednesday’s workout that he might play against Georgia.
Crews missed the last eight games, but his absence was glaring in the 72-66 defeat at Kentucky, when UT was outrebounded 36-27. A healthy Crews gives the Vols 12-point, 10-rebound potential every night.
Pearl said Crews would be restricted to 10 minutes a game for a while, since his physical activity has been limited for the last month. When Crews gets back into game shape, though, it will allow UT to field the 10-man rotation Pearl prefers.
A second unit of Crews, Ramar Smith, J.P. Prince, Ryan Childress and Brian Williams would give the Vols all kinds of potential mismatches.
PASS THE ROCK, PLEASE: Selfish is the last word which comes to mind when discussing UT.
Yet the Vols strayed from the norm at Kentucky, failing to run their offense with poise and not making their trademark extra pass. They had just eight assists, tying a season low.
Point guard play was an issue. Starter Jordan Howell and backup Ramar Smith combined for two assists and four turnovers in 40 minutes.
Look for a return of the unselfish Vols tonight against Georgia. One factor that will help, besides the home court, is a three-day break between games.
Tuesday night’s game at Kentucky was the third in a six-night stretch, and although the players didn’t want to use it as a crutch, it was evident that their legs weren’t there in the last five minutes. Just look at all the long jumpers which fell short and the lack of turnovers the Wildcats made.
BRUCIE P?: Pearl took a break from his team to comment on the Lady Vols’ game Friday night, working the analyst’s chair on a local telecast with play-by-play man Bob Kesling.
Reviews on Pearl’s guest spot were generally positive, although a Dick Vitale impression early in the first half beseeching Arkansas to “take a TO, baby” came off as forced at best.
You could tell Pearl wasn’t a TV veteran just by looking at his outfit – a peach-colored suit. Most long-time spielers stick with the traditional dark suits.