In its 110-83 victory over EA Sports at Thompson-Boling Arena Wednesday, the UT men’s basketball team made it clear that up-tempo will be this year’s style of play.
And sophomore Stanley Asumnu couldn’t be any happier.
In the fast-paced Volunteer win, the Houston native came off the bench to score 17 first-half points and finished the game with 23. In 19 minutes of play, he shot 11-of-14 and committed no turnovers.
Asumnu said up-tempo was the perfect style for him.
“My first step is real quick, so I can get to the hole whenever I want to,” he said. “It’s just making good decisions once I get there.”
Decision-making was a problem for the young guard last season. Asumnu started the Vols’ first five games last season, but got lost in the rotation after inconsistency on offense.
Asumnu’s performance in Tennessee’s first exhibition game renewed the confidence of his coach.
“He’s (Asumnu) done some good things in practice, but the question has always been transferring it to the game setting,” UT coach Buzz Peterson said after his team’s win. “I’m happy for him. He’s a fine young man who works hard every single day.
“I hope that’s a sign of big things to come out of him.”
Guards C.J. Watson and Scooter McFadgon and forwards Jemere Hendrix and Brandon Crump will be starters, but the fifth spot is still up in the air.
Asumnu said starting was his goal, but made sure to note the team’s needs would come before his own.
“Whatever the coaching staff wants to do, that’s fine with me,” Asumnu said. “I’m just gonna continue to bring my 110 percent to the table every day and just step up and play and have fun.”
New Worm?
Following Jemere Hendrix’s 13-rebound performance, Peterson compared the Clemson transfer to former NBA All-Star Dennis Rodman.
“He’s relentless on those boards,” Peterson said. “I hate to use his name, but he kind of reminds me of ol’ Rodman a little bit.”
Hendrix, who said he wants to lead the SEC in rebounding this season, said the game was a welcome sight after sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules.
“I felt like I was in a cage for a year and a half,” Hendrix said.
No problem
The Vols didn’t have any trouble adjusting to the NCAA’s experimental three-point line, shooting 46.4 percent (13-of-28) from beyond the arc.
The newly extended line, which is 9 inches longer than the standard version, is being tested in preseason games and is expected to become the norm next season.
McFadgon and sophomore John Winchester each nailed four and even the 6-foot-10 Crump had a trey early in the game.
