Today On Rocky Top: Lady Vols Begin Practice & More News

Mar 9, 2013; Duluth, GA, USA; Texas A

From Clarksville Online

"After getting preseason preparations under way with a short workout early Monday, the Lady Vols came back on Tuesday with their first full-scale practice of the 2013-14 campaign.Head Coach Holly Warlick is intent on her team members playing fast and giving their all on both ends of the floor. Many drills in practice are focused on just those ideas, preparing the newest Tennessee squad to meet the pace expected of the Big Orange’s second-year head coach."

From Nooga.com

"Tennessee’s first basketball practice is in the books, officially launching a run-up to what fans hope is a return to the good old days, that six-year run of six straight NCAA tournament appearances orchestrated by former coach Bruce Pearl.After two consecutive trips to the NIT, which ended in home-court flameouts, the fans are ready for the Dance, and this team is capable. In fact, it’s capable of making a lengthy run. Here are a few keys to ensure that happens:• Jeronne Maymon’s knee has to hold up. The 6-7 senior forward missed all of last year when his knee was slow to respond after corrective surgery. But last year’s loss is this season’s gain. So far, in individual workouts and now the Vols’ first practice, Maymon has participated in every drill his teammates have. That’s a good sign."

From The Times Free Press

"Cam Sutton hears the same thing on a daily basis.The true freshman cornerback constantly is reminded by Tennessee secondary coach Willie Martinez that he’s going to be targeted and picked on by opposing offenses, so he knows he can expect to see some passes thrown to this side of the field on Saturdays.His response?“He’s always the one back there saying bring it on,” safety Brian Randolph said Tuesday. “He loves to compete. When it’s game time, you see a different look in his eye.”“He doesn’t really say that,” Martinez added Wednesday evening after Tennessee’s practice, “but he doesn’t really say much. I say that to everybody in there, but [especially with] him being a young player."

From Rocky Top Talk

"Georgia’s defense is perhaps not as strong as you might think, but can Tennessee’s offense take advantage? Either way, the Bulldogs’ passing attack under Aaron Murray is probably going to have its way with any opponent, including the Vols this week.The Vols are getting 215 yards on the ground per game, and Georgia is giving up 126.8. The two closest comps are Florida (53.5) and Oregon (134.5), and Georgia’s numbers are obviously closer to Oregon’s than Florida’s. Against Oregon, we rushed for 178 yards, so my prediction of yards on the ground for UT is 160."