Let's Learn About the Vanderbilt Commodores

It's the school in Nashville

Of all the schools in Nashville, it's one of them.  Personally, I prefer a Belmont or Lipscomb, but I can't hate.  I'll leave that to Freddie Maggard.

It's Tennessee's Preeminent Football Powerhouse

After dismantling the Volunteers 35-24 in the 2016 season finale, this is how Vanderbilt fans celebrated.

Vandy students enjoying the victory by having a little fun with the UT fans as they leave...Rocky Top on constant loop. Enjoy and share. pic.twitter.com/fvaetJC1mO

– Danny Smartt (@dsmartt2124) November 28, 2016

After the loss, Tennessee celebrated the "Championship of Life."

There's a New Sheriff in Town

Unfortunately, we can no longer mock the many faces of Kevin Stallings.  After more than 15 years and a pair of Sweet Sixteens, Stallings left academia to coach Pittsburgh.  So far, they're 12-4 under Stallings and will take on UofL at the Yum! Center tomorrow. Enter Bryce Drew, the face of Valpo basketball.  The coach's son is remembered by all for his unforgettable NCAA Tournament buzzer-beater against Ole Miss.  Following his college career, he bounced around professionally for seven years before joining his father's Valpo staff.  Drew spent a decade in various roles at Valpo before departing for Vanderbilt.

Riley LaChance is still in Town

You probably think LaChance (Spanish for "The Chance") has been a Commodore since Matt Freijie was in town, but he's actually just a junior.  A career 40 percent three-point shooter, LaChance is en fuego this season, knocking down 58 percent of his shots from behind the arc. LaChance isn't the only Commodore knocking down more than 50 percent of his three-pointers.  Nolan Cressler comes off the bench and hits 52 percent of his three-point attempts. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620"] No word on whether or not LaChance will bring back the facemask, via 247.[/caption]

Cameron Justice is Not

Kentucky's 2015 Mr. Basketball decided to transfer from the program after the first semester, playing in just seven of Vandy's first ten games under Bryce Drew.  He will finish his career at IUPUI.

They have a Player Named Phillip McGloin*

This is not a joke. If it was a joke, I'd call him Phillip McCrack or Phillip Magooch.  His parents are either evil geniuses or completely oblivious. Phillip McGloin has played in two games this year, but has not recorded a stat.  The junior has 11 career points. * Apparently the walk-on quit basketball to focus on his studies before the season, but ESPN & more are still giving him stats for this season.  

A Seven-Foot Three Point Shooter

Luke Kornet is Vandy's second-leading scorer, averaging 12.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.  He extends the floor, trailing in transition to knock down 33 percent of his threes, with most coming from the top of the key.  Yesterday Calipari was asked how you defend a 7-foot three-point shooter.  "It's hard." Don't let the three-point statistic fool you. Kornet still primarily plays in the post.  It'll be interesting to see how Bam Adebayo matches up with Kornet.

Do you think they'll shoot threes?

If you've made it this far and haven't noticed a trend, I don't know what to tell you.  They shoot threes, and they shoot a lot of them.  They make 10 threes a game and lead the SEC in makes (153) and percentage (40.3).  On the other side, the Kentucky defense holds opponents to 29.7 percent behind the three-point line.  Something's got to give.