re: It's time to start Hunter Dean instead of Baker.

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But given Tennessee is the second best defensive team in the nation, McMahon can’t be reluctant to make a change if it is quickly evident Baker is getting swallowed up.

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This...if they get him ball at the elbow or in the post, and he tries that back down dribble stuff, the Vols will double him immediately and forcefully, and that won't end well.

CMM is going to play him, so IMHO it would be best to feature him only in the pick and pop scenarios and avoid the former and hopefully he stays hot from outside.

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start Hunter Dean instead of Baker

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Can't disagree with you more

Why not try to play them together and win the rb game, and possible guard the rim better. We don't need their scoring other than RB and put backs. I'd try it and see what happens.

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Because they are both slow and unathletic and neither guard the rim very well.

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This is the honest reality. I mean Dean is marginally better than Baker at rebounding and defense, mostly because he does at least make the active effort, but neither do those things even at an average level for the position.

Baker does at least offer the possibility of some offense, which is why CMM keeps giving him those minutes, hoping for a game like yesterday, which since SEC play has started has been very rare....or really non-existent.

As I know CMM is gonna ride with Baker at this point I can only hope he's found something there where we can get some consistent offense.

Otherwise my choice would be to ride with Fountain and Reed down low. They ain't exactly rebounding or defensive savants, but they IMHO are better options, if only martinally, for that and give us a bit more flexibility and versatility on both ends of the floor.

But, I know that ain't happening so here's to hoping Baker can find a sweet spot offensively that justifies the minutes.

Really?

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I’m not talking about doing it on purpose…just that when the ball does end up in his hands, he needs to play stronger than he has at times this year.

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I would prefer that he start making quick decisive passes when the inevitable double team comes, and the Vols will bring it.

I’m going to need you to start talking shyte about other players too. You’re the hero we need.

Turns out that against Alabama today in the second half Baker was a limp dish rag again. Tries to dribble with telegraphed, predictable and slow moves against quick-twitch athletes and CONSISTENTLY turns the ball over or makes wimpy passes. He absolutely can't win contested rebounds as he's weak and has weak hands. He has fundamental skill and is great when he's hitting threes, but against really good athletes down the stretch he's a liability. Dean had much more pop in the second half. Too bad we have to play Baker because of his size when he's tired and turning the ball over.