Rick Barnes reacts to Tennessee breaking out of shooting slump

Heading into the middle portion of the college basketball season, Tennessee has separated itself as one of the elite teams across the country. That’s mostly thanks to the defense head coach Rick Barnes has seen his squad play, not offensive ability. According to KenPom, the Volunteers rank No. 1 in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency but 38th on the offensive end.

And that is with a solid performance on Tuesday night at home against Mississippi State. Tennessee put up 87 points, their second-highest total of the season. Barnes is happy with the progression two games into SEC play, saying he wants to take things on a game-by-game basis.

“In trying to talk to the team — every game is a different game,” Barnes said. “I asked the other night why we maybe haven’t been as consistent on the offensive end. And I am not sure players understand that. I mean, every game is different. This game was a totally different game in terms of, Ole Miss changed defenses. They don’t have as many defenses as we saw tonight. So, players have to be able to do that.”

Tennessee shot nearly 70% from the floor as a team, one of the best marks of the season. Everyone from top to bottom was efficient, especially from the three-point line. Santiago Vescovi led the way, making four of his eight shots from downtown.

Barnes admitted there have been changes to the offensive strategy, especially with teams consistently switching on them.

“That’s one thing I will tell y’all,” Barnes began. “We as a staff were really pleased with how the guys handled what we worked on. We’ve had to learn how to play against teams that switch one through five, one through four because those teams are really trying to keep you out of rhythm. I thought our guys did a lot of really good things.”

Rick Barnes praises guard play against Mississippi State

Guard play was how Tennessee was able to get a win at home on Tuesday, with two players getting a shoutout from their head coach. While shot-making is important, having a good pass to get in position can be just as crucial to the process.

“Josiah(-Jordan James) is big in games like this because he’s going to run,” Barnes said. “He sees it. But our guards — Julian (Phillips) made a couple of terrific passes to our post guys. They’ve done a really good job stepping in on those switches, catching the ball. Some really good passes delivered there and they finished shots in there tonight, which is as important as these guys making perimeter shots.”

Vescovi is also someone Barnes highlighted, saying he will have to adapt to how teams defend him as well. Being one of the best shooters on the roster, he will be closed down harder than others. Getting a shot fake up can be crucial in certain situations.

“Maybe with the exception of one or two shots that were rushed,” Barnes said. “I think Santi (Santiago Vescovi) got one blocked. He’s got to know people want to come at him and he’s good at what he does obviously.”

If Tennessee can continue to improve on the offensive end and consistently perform, the ceiling becomes even higher. Playing against tough SEC opponents will provide tough challenges though, especially later in the season.