Vols Reach Sweet 16

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It was just over a month ago that Tennessee had just lost to Texas A&M for the second time this season, and in nearly every Vols fans eyes, Cuonzo Martin was dead in the water. The Tennessee basketball team was going nowhere, and Cuonzo Martin had to go somewhere, anywhere, other than back to Knoxville. Oh how things change. Just barely over a month later, the same Tennessee Volunteers are in the Sweet 16. They are one of sixteen teams still playing for a National Championship. 

I have no shame in admitting that after the A&M loss, I was fully on board with the “fire Cuonzo” train, and honestly, if the season ended that day, there is no way anyone in the world could have convinced me he deserved to keep his job. The season at that point in time, was a downright disappointment. To me, I saw no hope of a turnaround because in three years at Tennessee, Martin had done nothing to show me that a turnaround was possible. Then out of nowhere, Tennessee rattled off an unbelievable stretch of games entering the SEC Tournament, and they weren’t just beating teams. They were hammering them. For the first time in three years under Cuonzo Martin, I saw a glimmer of hope for Tennessee basketball. They proceeded to the semi-finals of the SEC Tournament where they lost a very close game to top ranked Florida, and even in defeat, I was very proud to be a Tennessee fan. 

Once the Vols were selected to the NCAA Tournament, I think a lot of people, myself included, thought they were very capable of making a deep run. I picked them to make the Sweet 16 by beating Duke, and still think they would have if they played them, but I have to admit, it is the WAY they have made their run that has impressed me. Literally every single player on the entire Tennessee roster has raised his level of play in Tennessee’s three NCAA Tournament wins thus far. Josh Richardson has been nothing short of spectacular and as great as Jarnell Stokes has been all season long, even he, has taken things to a new level in this tournament. After a narrow escape in the first four/play in/whatever you want to call it game against Iowa, Tennessee has basically slaughtered both UMass and Mercer. In my opinion, they are the most physical team left in the tournament, and the best rebounding team remaining as well. Their defense is among the best in the country, and they are well balanced on offense. Their only flaw at the moment is their inconsistency from beyond the arc. If Tennessee continues playing the way they have thus far in the tournament, and starts knocking down a few more shots from outside, there is no reason to think they can’t continue to make a serious run in this tournament. 

That being said, Michigan is a very tough matchup for Tennessee. It will be a battle of contrasting styles to say the least. Last years’ national runner up does not expect to lose in the Sweet 16, their one goal is a National Championship, and they are fully equipped to accomplish it. They are an offensive juggernaut, and can put points up from anywhere on the floor. However, as they showed against Wofford, they can also win the low scoring, grind it out, defensive game as well. They are the complete package. A key aspect in Tennessee’s defense is Josh Richardson. He has been able to defend the opponents’ best player, and make him a near non-factor in many games for Tennessee this season. The problem with Michigan is they don’t have a clear cut best offensive player. Expect Richardson to spend a lot of time defending Sophomore Guard Nik Stauskas, but even if Richardson is able to take Stauskas out of the game or limit his scoring, Michigan has multiple guys capable of picking up the scoring load. Michigan also shoots the three pointer really well. Tennessee will have to do a nice job finding and keying in on shooters defensively to win. It is going to take a complete team effort on that end of the floor. All that being said, Tennessee has a major size and strength advantage over the Wolverines and this is a game where Michigan will likely have to switch up their rotation quite a bit. Sophomore Jon Horford usually plays just 10-15 minutes a game, but he is likely the Wolverines only hope and containing Tennessee on the glass. At 6’10 he has shown he can be a good rebounder when given the chance, and Friday night should be his biggest chance of the season. Other than Horford, just one player in Michigan’s usual 8 man rotation is 6’8 or taller. Against a team like Tennessee, this has to be a major area of concern for Head Coach John Beilein. I am having a tough time picking a winner, and wouldn’t be surprised with either outcome. Hopefully the Vols can find a way to limit Michigan’s outside scoring and take advantage of their miss-match down low. Friday can’t get here soon enough.

Shaee Flatt

Boy Meets Sports

3/23/2014

Twitter: @shaee_flatt 

Improve Your Game Series

Welcome to the Improve Your Game series conducted by me, Trey Frisbey, writer and co-creator of Boy Meets Sports.  I've decided to run this series for everyone who wants to improve their basketball game in any way possible.  If, once the series is over, I don't touch on a part of the game that you need, let me know through the "contact us" tab and I'll continue (I'll do my best to touch every aspect of the game).  Here is an overview of how the series will be conducted.

Every week or two, I'll be posting a new lesson on a certain part of the game (shooting, ball handling, conditioning, etc.).  I'll include: instruction, drill suggestions, how and why you need the skill, motivational tips, and links to websites or videos that may help in the specific area.  All comments will be welcome.  Tips and suggestions are absolutely welcome and should be made through blog comments or the "contact us" tab.  After all, the reason for this series to get you into tip-top basketball shape.

Each of the following will be covered extensively throughout the series.  Each topic will get one in-depth post.

1. Strength and Conditioning
2. Ball Handling
3. Shooting
4. Passing
5. Footwork
6. Defensive Positioning and Technique
7. Offensive Positioning and Technique
8. Defensive Schemes
9. Offensive Schemes
10. Game Management Strategies
11. Fast Break Technique
12. End of the Game Madness
13. Basketball Tips and Tricks
14. Closure/ Requests/ Comments/ Feedback

I'll take requests before I begin the series.  Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email.

Trey Frisbey
Boy Meets Sports
2/11/2014
Twitter: @boymeetsports

Start The Bruce Pearl Campaign, Tennessee

This may seem like a weird time to start calling for Pearl as the Volunteers have been playing pretty good basketball the last few games.  The problem with Tennessee basketball, though, is what I just said, "pretty good basketball". Cuonzo Martin has been a solid coach since he took over for Pearl three years ago, but solid isn't good enough. During Pearl's tenure, Tennessee fans got used to being good.  Damn good.  This year's team is Cuonzo's best team that he's had at Tennessee and they're looking for a nine seed in the dance at best.  The nine seed is an easy out in the first or second round.

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During Pearl's short lived Tennessee Career, he took them to the elite eight, had a number two team in the country, and had the fan base ecstatic each and every time the Vols took the court.  They had a top five college basketball atmosphere with Pearl at the helm.  I want that back.  I'm tired of mediocrity.  Consider McCrae and Stokes gone after this season.  That leaves the squad with whom? Martin has reached his ceiling at Tennessee and it isn't high. 

Every team we've seen since he took over has underachieved overall.  He's been able to reason and win some of the fan base over by how the team finishes the season.  They have finished well with Martin as HC.  You know what happened last year when the team finished strong, though?  NIT.  I'm tired of the ten seed and the NIT.  Nobody cares about that tournament.  Tennessee is about championships.  National Championships. Not NIT championships. 

It hurts that football is struggling in Knoxville.  When Pearl was there, he was able to take some of that pain away.  Seeing him painted up at the ladies games, hearing his post-game analysis and interviews, and simply watching him doing what he loved and where he loved it was awesome.  The fans would do anything for him.  Don't settle for mediocrity, Tennessee.  Go back and get your guy.  The guy that shouldn't have been fired in the first place.  The guy who was penalized, in essence, for having a barbecue with recruits.  We've seen worse crimes in the NCAA since then.  It's time to stand up for Pearl.  We all know he wants to be here, and we want him here.  Tennessee, stop being afraid.  Stop being stubborn.  Bring back Pearl.

Trey Frisbey
Boy Meets Sports
2/4/2014
Twitter: @boymeetsports

How To: Become A Better Ball Player (Intro)

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As a reddit user and a an r/basketball lurker, I've noticed a lot people looking for tips, tricks, drills, and other ways to hone in on their basketball skills.  As one of the most fundamental players on my high school team and growing up with a basketball coach as a father, I thought I might be able to help.  This is my guide to becoming a polished, poised, and elite basketball player.

Be Consistant

Find a weakness and work on it consistently.  Don't ignore any flaws you have.  They will only get bigger.  If your weakness is going left, spend days practicing going left outside in your driveway.  Look at your different skill sets as a bar graph.  You want all of the bars to be completely equal at whatever skill level they are. The wider ranger your skill set is, the more versatile and effective you will be.  Work hard and consistently.  It's like working out in a gym.  Find a daily or weekly schedule and stick to it.

Shoot, Shoot, Shoot

Get to hoop at put up as many shots as you can a day.  The more you shoot, as long as your shot is mechanically correct, the better you will be.  When shooting a basketball, you should never miss to the left or right.  Hitting the front or back rim is fine, but when your shot is hitting left or right rim, your mechanics are off.

Find A List Of Drills To Help With Weakness

There is no point in working on certain skills if you're working on them the wrong way.  Sometimes it's very uncomfortable when you change your fundamentals from what feels comfortable to what is actually correct. Here is a good list of individual drills for different skills.

Play As Much As Possible

Not only do you need to work on your individual skills, but you need to play the game.  Find an open gym somewhere or even some pick-up. Make sure, though, when you're playing pick-up ball to not fall back into your old patterns.  Go into each game wanting to work on a certain aspect of your game and don't stray from it.  Stay fundamental. Some people may not like the way you play, depending on what gym you're at, but that doesn't matter.  When you play pick-up ball it's easy to slip into old habits. Don't let that happen.

There are many other ways to improve your game, but these are great ways to start.  If you want to know more or have specific questions, feel free to comment or email me through the contact us tab, or follow us on twitter!

Trey Frisbey
Boy Meets Sports
2/3/2014
Twitter: @boymeetsports

Boy Meets World Starting Five

This blog was inspired by one of the most enjoyable TV shows in the 90's, "Boy Meets World".  I thought it might be fun to pick a starting five from the show.  Each basketball position will get one character.  An "all first team" if you will.  We will explain why that character deserves the position. We welcome your mean, hateful (maybe nice?) comments as always! We'll start from the inside out.

At Center: Lonnie Boden

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You remember Lonnie, right? The back woods chick that had Eric flustered for a while? She's tough as nails. She may not be the biggest center in the league, which is a huge negative, but I wouldn't mind her in the middle at all.  She'll dish out some lumps and bruises and maybe get out of some foul trouble with her looks.

At Power Forward: Alan Matthews

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Alan was an all around great dad.  He had the love, he had the toughness, and was willing to do whatever he needed to do to support his family.  That's similar to a power forwards job (minus the love).  He flies under the radar, but he does does the dirty work that a lot of other people don't want to do for the better of the team. 

At Small Forward: Cory Matthews

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This may be disappointing to some of you.  Most might see Cory as a point guard or shooting guard.  I had that same thought until I really thought about the position.  The small forward (the third and middle postion in the lineup) is the most versitile position on the floor.  He does a little bit of everything.  That's exactly what Cory did. He was a little bad, a little good, a little sad, a little happy, a good boyfriend, a bad boyfriend. Cory did it all and he experienced it all. He could play any position, and that's why he's our small forward.

At Shooting Guard: Shawn Hunter

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Shawn is the flashy, good looking guy who gets all the girls.  That's very similar to the shooting guard.  Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Lebron James (Considered a small forward, but is similar to a shooting guard) are all shooting guards and they usually get all the glory.  They specialize in scoring offense and are always at the top of the highlight real.

At Point Guard: George Feeny

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Feeny is the brains of the operation.  He's the facilitator, the mastermind of the offense and a smart player. The seasoned point guard is wise. That's exactly what the point guard's job is.  Congratulations Fa ha ha ha heeeeeeny.

Any objections? Feel free to comment below! 

Trey Frisbey

Boy Meets Sports

1/23/2014

Twitter: @boymeetsports

Great Sports Movies You May Have Forgotten

Sports flicks have been around forever and that's not changing.  We all know some of the best ones like "The Sandlot" and "Remember the Titans", but we also forget some solid sports movies that become forgotten as time goes on.  Here is a reminder of some good sports movies that you'll want to revisit after reading this.

5. The Little Giants

Remember "the anexation of puerto rico"? Of course you do! But I bet you don't think about it too often. Go watch the "The Little Giants" and remember your childhood.  

4. the garbage picking field goal kicking philadelphia phenomenon

That's right.  I pulled this card.  There are nine parts on YouTube which shows the entire film. You can also  Here (amazon link)

3. Angels In The Endzone

I apologize for the quality of the video, but this was an underrated sequel! Either that, or I was too young the last time I saw it.  You know, that age when you think every movie is outstanding.

2. The Rookie

No, not "Rookie of the Year". This movie isn't underrated at all.  Most that have seen it, love it.  It's not talked about much, though.  It's one of those movies that "fall through the cracks", when great sports movies are brought up. Go watch it.  You might cry.

1. Hard Ball

Not sure if it has survived the test of time or not, but I never hear much about it.  It's not bad at all! Go check it out.  "I love it when you call me big papa".

Those are just five of the movies that came to mind when I starting digging through parts of the brain that hold that library of my forgotten past.  Feel free to add more in the comments!

Trey Frisbey
Boy Meets Sports
1/19/2014
Twitter: @boymeetsports

Boy Meets Sports: 90's Edition

The 90's were a special time in our country's history.  The economy was good, the music was transforming, but most importantly, the sports were historic.  This post is inspired by "90's Saturday", which was created today at my work to give our thanks to the beautiful decade known as the 90's.  Disney Channel original movies like "Brink" and "Johnny Tsunami" were big, The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC were on our radios, and our ball caps were turned backwards. The 90's consisted of so much more, though.  From The Buffalo Bills' four Super Bowl appearances to witnessing the greatest basketball player to touch the earth, the 90's were filled with awesome athletes and awesome moments.

5. Sosa and McGwire Make History

PED's or not, the home run race of the 90's took the sports world by storm.  Be forever grateful for Mcgwire and Sosa.  They changed the game forever.

4. The Detroit Bad Boys

It was Jordan vs. The Bad Boys.  Jordan's rivals came and went, but the bad boys were the baddest.

3. Steve Young and Joe Montana

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Joe Montana was first, but then came Steve Young.  The 49'rs transition from one quarterback to the other may be similar the Colts transition from Manning to Luck.  How LUCKy can you be? 

2. The Class of 1996

Ray Lewis, Derek Jeter, Kobe Bryant, and Tiger Woods.  Greatest class of all time? I'd vote for them.  The class of 1996 definitely had the "eye of the Tiger".  No pun intended.

1.  Michael Jordan

Enough Said.

Additional Sources:

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Trey Frisbey

Boy Meets Sports

1/19/2014

Twitter: @boymeetsports

Buy A Nerf Goal!

Buy a Nerf goal for your house.  This is how me and brother pass the time! Never gets old.

Trey Frisbey
Boy Meets Sports
1/15/14
Twitter: @boymeetsports

Fans, Your Attendance is Crucial

Seeing videos like this on ESPN have made me realize the changes that are coming in the sports world, and I don't like them. You shouldn't either.

HDTV's have taken over our homes and are only getting bigger and better.  Going to the fridge and getting a one dollar beer is cheaper than buying one at the game.  My couch is just so damn comfortable.  I love being able to watch the game in peace. Ticket prices are so expensive.

These are the excuses that are being heard louder and louder throughout the U.S. when people are asked why they prefer to stay at home and watch the game compared to attending it.  When I was growing up, going to a Titans game was one of the most awesome things I could attend.  Smelling the beer on the seats, hearing the cursing fans, and feeling the energy in the stadium gave me a feeling that can never be replicated. That feeling that I used to feel is beginning to die.  Not only in Nashville, but in a lot big arenas and stadiums around the country.  Even the NFL playoffs didn't sell out right away. 

 There is something special about the atmosphere that a sporting event provides.  Sure, your couch is comfy and the beer is cheaper, but what about coming together as a whole?  Even during games that were boring or when the team you love is bad, fans will do things like start the wave or yell out crazy, funny remarks.  You see crazy fans at games on the internet all the time, but not in this video.

A stadium without fans feels like the quietest thing on earth.  Being in such a big, unique structure without any people can be very peaceful or very depressing.  Immagine hearing your favorite announcer on the radio or TV perfectly clear because you can't hear fans screaming behind them.  Imagine hearing the referee talking in a normal voice so he doesn't have to scream over fans yelling.  Imagine hearing defensive players talking.  Imagine a lifeless, quiet stadium holding two teams hitting each other with no support.  The adrenaline would go down and performance would go down.  Start attending games.  Take your family.  Take your friends.  I don't want to see the games I love without the support they deserve.  Ditch the dish and go support your team.  

Trey Frisbey

Boy Meets Sports

1/13/2014

Twitter: @boymeetsports

The Art of Pickup Basketball

If you're like me, football season is over for your respectable team and basketball season is just beginning.  Yes, watching basketball on TV is great, but basketball is a sport that anyone can play at any time and is fairly easy to find in the community.  I have a local community center that has a gym and people that are constantly playing the game.  For everyone else, just find a gym.  Gym rats are prevalent.  Find a few friends that like to play ball and take yourselves down to the gym.  It's great exercise and a great way to take out some aggression and competitiveness on some friends or some punks that you just want to beat up on.  That being said, there are some unspoken rules that are applied to pick up basketball.  If you are planning on playing (which you should be), here are some things to keep in mind..

1. Call "Next"- If you end up playing in a place with a lot of washed up basketball players like I do, calling next and sticking up for yourself is huge (especially if you don't know anyone in the gym).  Call "next" and make sure everyone hears you.  If they don't they'll proceed playing and you'll never get on the court.  Never let anyone "run it back".  If you're next, then make sure you play the next game with your chosen squad.

2.  Bring people you know-  Sometimes it's hard to pick a team at the local gym if you're a newbie.  Basketball players are very cliquish, so it would be best to bring a group of friends that you can play with so you don't have to go through the rigors of choosing a team.  Choosing players you don't know can result in a first game loss and you'll find yourself waiting to play games more than you actually play.  Bring a squad that you can win with, and you'll never leave the floor.

3. Play smart basketball- A lot pick up basketball players are scrubs.  If they aren't scrubs, they're usually selfish because they are playing on a platform that allows them to be that way.  Many good basketball players throw all of the discipline and fundamentals they know out the window because they are playing in a pick-up atmosphere.  If your squad plays with discipline, you will find yourself winning a lot of games and not leaving the floor.

4. Don't get in fights-  It can be frustrating playing with gym rats that don't always understand the rules of basketball.  If there are any conflicts during the game, it's usually best to give the other team the ball and laugh it off.  Just play good defense and get the ball back.  It's like they say, "the ball doesn't lie".  You'll usually get a rebound and end up scoring on the other end.  The basketball gods are always watching.

5. Don't be lazy:  MOVE MOVE MOVE-  Sure, pick-up is a lot fun and is a great way to kill a Saturday afternoon, but use it to your advantage!  Get some exercise while you're playing the game.  A lot pick-up players are lazy and you can get a lot of baskets and defensive stops by simply running.  Not only will it help you win some games, but it's also good for you.  Play to get in shape. It sure as hell beats working out in the gym.

Pick-up basketball is will never remove itself from our society.  It's one game that will always be there and always be competitive.  If you can find some friends and a gym to play some ball, DO IT.  If you get the chance to play, use these five tips to help yourself stay on the floor.  It'll help you stay in shape without having to run on the treadmill and lift those weights!

Trey Frisbey
Boy Meets Sports
12/23/2013
Twitter: (@boymeetsports)