Santiago Vescovi wanted a split-second and a slight display.
The Tennessee basketball guard acquired each, permitting ahead Jonas Aidoo to slip in entrance him and letting a 3-pointer fly from the sting of the Tennessee emblem at Thompson-Boling Area at Meals Metropolis Middle.
It was good and Vescovi was having enjoyable early Tuesday towards Wofford, which has been the case all season up to now on the court docket.
“It has been enjoyable — nothing in need of enjoyable,” Vescovi stated. “We have simply been enjoying. We have been successful. That is the way it issues. And at this level, in my life, all that issues is successful.”
The Vols are doing loads of that up to now in Vescovi’s last season — and he’s positive with no matter meaning for his position and obligations for the No. 8 Vols (3-0), who open the Maui Invitational towards Syracuse (3-0) on Monday (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
What Santiago Vescovi cares about most with Tennessee basketball roster
Vescovi got here again to Tennessee after back-to-back All-SEC seasons, becoming a member of a revamped Vols roster affected by extra scoring and depth.
The fifth-year senior welcomed the adjustment to a distinct scenario and isn’t involved with how his particular person season unfolds.
“I do not actually care,” Vescovi stated. “Now we have much more expertise. That is one thing that we have talked even earlier than the season began, having numerous guys that may play and that may shoot the ball. Simply centered on successful and having enjoyable with my teammates.”
Vescovi determined in April to return to Tennessee. Guard Jordan Gainey introduced his dedication as a switch from USC Upstate the identical day. Guard Dalton Knecht adopted later that week, declaring his intention to switch to UT from Northern Colorado.
The additions modified the make-up of Tennessee’s roster, including extra offensive pressure and 3-point capturing. Knecht is averaging 19.7 factors and has led UT in scoring in all three video games. Gainey is averaging 13.3 factors.
The pair had been welcome newcomers for a Vols roster that wanted an offensive enhance, which it acquired within the pair. Vescovi is a recognized commodity, averaging 11.6 factors and capturing 38.1% on 3-pointers in 114 profession video games getting into the season.
“So long as we’re successful, I do not care what it takes to win,” Vescovi stated. “So simply facilitating at this level within the recreation for them greater than something and simply looking for a task, too.”
Why Rick Barnes is impressed with Santiago Vescovi this season
Coach Rick Barnes acknowledged the fact that final season’s Tennessee group skilled some offensive lulls. UT sought to handle these with the roster adjustments, surrounding key gamers like Vescovi with extra choices.
Barnes believes these adjustments will give Vescovi, Josiah-Jordan James and Zakai Zeigler alternatives to be extra aggressive offensively. A part of that comes right down to Vescovi discovering the candy spot for his position alongside extra offensive expertise. He’s not a high-maintenance participant offensively as a result of he accomplish that a lot away from the ball to make himself open.
That’s the kind of factor that Barnes has cherished about Vescovi’s play by way of three video games. He lauded the way in which Vescovi made successful performs on protection at Wisconsin.
“He did issues that had been spectacular that don’t present up and generally even in the course of the recreation you are taking them as a right,” Barnes stated.
Likewise, he praised Vescovi’s really feel for the sport and the stream of the offensive. He can sense when to get aggressive and when to distribute. He thinks.
PREVIEW: Tennessee basketball vs Syracuse in Maui Invitational: Scouting report, rating prediction
Vescovi is averaging 6.0 factors after his 11-point recreation towards Wofford. He’s capturing 27.3% on 3-pointers. These numbers will improve because the season progresses. However these aren’t the numbers that Vescovi is apprehensive about seeing develop.
“I feel Santi is all about successful,” Barnes stated.
Mike Wilson covers College of Tennessee athletics. E-mail him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and observe him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. For those who take pleasure in Mike’s protection, take into account a digital subscription that may enable you entry to all of it
This text initially appeared on Knoxville Information Sentinel: Santiago Vescovi centered on successful with Tennessee basketball in Maui
