Virginia or Tennessee?

Really really want a somewhat healthy JJ for this one to bang with all 6'8 270 of Jaylen Carey. He is a LOAD.

I’m going on record…we’re a better team without JJ…especially a JJ at 80% or less. And make no mistake, if JJ returns this year it won’t be anywhere near 100%.

Nate is quicker on O and D.
Nate is a better finisher
Nate doesn’t turn the ball over.
Nate is a good rebounder
Nate is a better shooter from 3
Nate doesn’t clog up the lane…notice all the layups we had today?

At 100% JJ returning would be ok.
A 80% or so JJ is imho way worse than Nate.
 
Ament is softer than a pillow. ISU can take him out of the game defensively.
They are ELITE at offensive rebounds. Number 1 in the nation.

Funny enough we are tied with them at 65th in defensive rebound percentage so I guess they just crash the glass HARD on offense
 
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Tennessee is a great rebounding team but doesn’t shoot great from 3 and can be turnover prone. A significant upgrade over Kentucky but we should still be favored for the slight eight.
 
Turnovers will be huge again. Tenn has not been good this year for turnovers
And this is why I'm almost resting or "load managing" JJ for the Sweet 16 game even if he is healthy enough to play. If the Cyclones bring the same the ball pressure and perimeter defense our guards played today, they should be able to beat UTenn with or without JJ.
 
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They are elite at offensive rebounding, but ISU has played similar teams this year. Arizona is the closest comparison with Baylor and Purdue also being very good