Rick Barnes stresses need for offensive consistency

There are few defenses better in the nation than what Rick Barnes’ squad throws out on Rocky Top. Through 13 games, Tennessee is No. 3 in points allowed per game (53.2) and No. 1 in defensive rating. However, the Volunteer offense has, at times, left a lot to be desired and Barnes has the solution for it in 2023.

Barnes preached consistency during his preview press conference for Mississippi State on Monday. He said their way to a more efficient offense is by having a better idea of who is going to contribute for them each and every night.

“Consistency. Knowing night in and night out what we’re going to get from players. That’s the key to efficiency, whether it’s offense or defense. It’s consistency,” said Barnes.

In contrast to their defense, the Volunteer offense is just 126th in offensive rating and 150th in points scored per game (73.8). Their defense is more than good enough to compete with anyone. Still, Barnes wants more balance overall and that starts with being more consistent on the offensive end.

In order to do that, Barnes needs to see which of his players are able to put up points efficiently for them, regardless of the matchup. He says an inability to adjust to style has been what has killed them so far. That’s why players who show they’re going to be more flexible offensively are going to see the floor more.

“The thing is every game is a different kind of game. It’s not like everybody is playing the same way. So when you get ready for one team? A couple days later you have to adjust and start getting ready for another team…That’s about players being able to pick that up from game to game,” Barnes said. “That’s where the lack of consistency comes. Them being young players, learning the game, and thinking every game is going to be the same. It’s not.”

“The guys that can pick that up quicker? (They’re) normally the most consistent guys and the guys that play the most,” said Barnes.

Barnes just made things very clear on where he stands about the Vol players offensively. Now it’s up to them to show they can take his challenge head-on by proving their consistency as early as tonight in Thompson-Boling Arena against the Bulldogs.