What Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey said after Vols went 3-0 in Italy

Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey led the Vols to a 97-51 win over A.S. Stella Azzurra Monday night in Rome, ending the team’s three-game exhibition run through Italy with a 3-0 record. He broke down the performance and the play of his team after the game:

Tennessee Associate Head Coach Justin Gainey

His takeaway from Tennessee’s win on Monday night

“The biggest thing for us (against A.S. Stella Azzurra) was just finishing. I thought we had great practices leading up to this. I thought we got better in every game. Obviously we’re not a finished product, but the motto for (Monday night) was just finish, let’s put a cap on a really good spring and summer. So I thought the guys came out and they did that. They competed early. I thought the defensive intensity was there, very disruptive. Offensively, I thought we did a great job of sharing the ball, finding the hot hand and getting guys open looks. All in all, I was pleased with our effort.”

Jordan Gainey getting settled in by playing defense first

“He was really on the ball at the point of attack, using his length. Getting his hands on balls, deflections, a couple steals. And that’s what we need from that position. At the point of attack, you’ve got to be pesky, you’ve got to be disruptive. I thought he came in and did a good job of that.”

Dalton Knecht being very active offensively 

“Dalton, every time the ball leaves his hands, it feels like it’s going in. So when he gets good, open looks like he’s been getting, you feel good about it going in. He’s been doing a good job finding those open spots and I think his teammates have been doing a great job of finding him and hitting him on time and on target.”

Tobe Awaka’s effectiveness during the exhibition games

“Tobe, his presence on the backboard, you feel it. His physicality, you feel lit. And so, that’s what he brings. And the great thing about Tobe is he knows who he is, he embraces it and every game he’s going to bring that. There’s no days that I worry about man, is he going to have the effort, is he going to bring it motor wise. That’s what he does everyday. With that effort in practice and in games, it’s just natural for him. It’s who he is. Very pleased with his efficiency. Even more happier with his free-throw efficiency as we kind of came down these last two games. Tobe continues to take steps.”

Going 3-0 and winning the exhibition games by large margins

“First of all I want to think Coach Barnes for giving me the opportunity to step in and coach this team. I appreciate the guys allowing me to coach them. My great staff, GP (Gregg Polinsky), Coach (Bryan) Lentz, Coach (Rod) Clark. Yeah, 3-0, it’s huge. Just kind of add that to the resume.”

Redshirt Freshman Wing DJ Jefferson

Tennessee’s 10-day tour through Italy

“The trip was amazing. It was really just all about getting reps and getting a good start for the season. Coming in, working on our plays that we’ve been going over throughout the summer. Working on our defense, our pick and roll, all the things we’ve been doing in practice.”

Playing a professional team in Rome opposed to a national team the previous two games

“I would definitely say the speed was different, between college and playing against pros from overseas, stuff like that. I would say the basketball is a little bit heavier. Of course we were practicing throughout the summer at Tennessee, getting adjusted to the ball. When we came here, started playing, we kind of got adjusted to it.”

Playing well in the second half Monday night against A.S. Stella Azzurra

“What helped me be successful is just locking in on the defensive end and not worrying about the offensive end. Because if you take care of your business here on the defensive side, the offense will take care of itself. So just learning how to take care of the ball, being in gaps, white line, all the defensive pressures that Coach Barnes and the coaching staff talk about everyday in practice.”

Teammates that he thought played well in Monday’s game

“I want to give a shoutout to DK (Dalton Knecht). I think DK had a terrific, awesome performance tonight with 16 points. He went (4-for-7) at the 3-point line, he did a great job. Freddie (Dilione V) just moving the ball, getting the other players involved. Santi (Vescovi), he’s knocking down shots. Jonas (Aidoo) with his defense, ‘Shack’ (Jahmai Mashack). Actually, everybody that played throughout the game, overall they did an amazing job.”