Lo, these many years, I have believed what I was told, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
It seemed logical that people who have long been swimming a particular stroke would not change in the middle of the creek unless there was the threat of drowning.
Why would the proverbial old dog change when there is a steady supply of Purina Pro and a couple of spare bones put away for a rainy day?
Never let it be said that old people aren’t smart enough to make adjustments. Some even master modern technology. I learned several years ago how to activate my computer without a grandson’s help. Sometimes I am successful on google searches. I admit to still using a not-very-smart flip phone.
It seems the primary challenge in changing us ancients is stubbornness instead of stupidity.
None of the above applies to Rick Barnes, age 67, beginning his 35th season as a college basketball coach, seventh at Tennessee. He is a winner, low risk, medium-high rewards, positive record in all but two seasons. He has a history of development, organization, consistency and defense.
Barnes is a cinch for the hall of fame. His teams have played more than 1,100 games. They have won more than 65 per cent. He likes his job and the $5 million contract. The end is not in sight.
“I’m living my dream to be a college coach.”
He has been the Naismith Coach of the Year. He has won the Henry Iba Award. He received the John Wooden “Keys to Life” Award. He was four times Big 12 coach of the year while at Texas. He was SEC coach of the year in 2018 with the Volunteers.
A year later, the Vols tied the school record with 31 victories. They were ranked No. 1 in America for several weeks. That was a heady experience.
Twenty-five times his teams have made it to the NCAA tournament. The record is not all that hot, 24-25. Barnes has never won a national championship. Several other coaches who don’t cheat have fallen short.
There might be a touch of relevance between the first five paragraphs above and Barnes’ long-standing style of basketball. Efficient is a key word. The format has been inside out, throw the ball into the post, shoot a short shot or kick it back to a guard.
Not having a strong inside player restricted what Barnes wanted to do. There aren’t enough strong posts to go around. We love Fulky but he isn’t one.
Here is an intriguing tease about what is suddenly different about Barnes. In two game-type squad scrimmages, in a private teaching game and a half against Davidson and a public exhibition against Lenoir-Rhyne, Tennessee did not pound the rock inside. The Vols let fly a flock of three-pointers, 46 in the latest outing.
That matched something associate head coach Mike Schwartz said earlier: “We feel like we have the best shooting team we’ve had at Tennessee.”
In Barnes’ case, adjusting something makes sense. Last season looked very good on promotional posters. Coaches thought they had assembled the most promising team in Tennessee history.
The Vols went 8-8 in the second half and fell flat on their faces. One-and-done guards took over. Others watched. The team turned into a disappointment.
This team certainly looks different. There are eight new players. Kennedy Chandler is said to be the best freshman point guard in the country. He is swift. He can score but looks to pass.
Freshman Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, at least 6-10, is another potential superstar – lot to learn, enormous talent.
John Fulkerson, 6-9, returns for his sixth season. He is a great story of desire and determination. Olivier Nkamhoua, 6-8, has matured and projects as a probable starter. Josiah-Jordan James, 6-6, is a glue guy capable of playing three or four positions and holding it all together.
In times past, Santiago Vescovi has been a deadly outside shooter. We know he can play the point but he is probably better as a 2 guard.
If they play defense, streak shooter Victor Bailey, 6-4, and Auburn transfer Justin Powell, 6-6, will be early off the bench or maybe in the starting lineup. Depth is all around. The rotation may be nine or even 10.
Seven-footer Uros Plavsic may have found his way. Zakai Zeigler, somewhat larger than a watch charm, will be a fan favorite. Jahmai Mashack is a shutdown defender. Jonas Aidoo, Quentin Diboundje and Handje Tamba may be less now and more future for different reasons. Aidoo and Tamba are 6-11s.
See for yourself if change is in the air, Nov. 9 against UT-Martin and Nov. 14 versus East Tennessee State. Tickets are available.
Marvin West welcomes reader comments or questions. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com