Rick Barnes focused solely on the Orange and White ahead of this rivalry match-up
Knoxville, Tenn. – When former Vol Jonas Aidoo and Arkansas come to Food City Center, it’s like when a past fling is back in your city, you wish them safe travels and focus on yourself.
That’s exactly what Tennessee is doing.
The 11-2 Razorbacks are riding a 6-game winning streak when they visit No. 1 Tennessee (13-0) on Saturday. It’ll also mark John Calipari’s first conference game as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Tennessee is bludgeoning opponents, holding opponents to 56.2 points per game for the second-best mark in the country.
A pace they look to continue when their ex-fling is back in town.
Barnes and company invested heavily into Aidoo’s growth a season ago, really did all they could to build his confidence, and we saw him transform before our eyes last year.
Then the surprise came when he decided to hop into the portal.
The team will say no bad blood because as Barnes puts it it’s the name of the game right now.
While Aidoo was battling a lingering lower-leg injury in the beginning part of the season, what they’ve been able to see on film is a lot of the same stuff he did at Tennessee.
“Jonas, we loved him when he was here and what he did and all his growth. B he’s there, we’re here and it’s about competition now,” said Barnes.
Despite being roomies and close friends with Aidoo, Vols’ Jahmai Mashack is in full game mode and is only concerned with the Orange and White, which is how it should be.
He said he hasn’t communicated much with Aidoo this week, because the fun can come after the game.
“He knows how I am, he knows how much of a competitor I am, how much of a fighter I am,” said Mashack. “I’m going to wait until afterwards to talk with him and laugh with him. Right now, I’m here with my team, that’s all I’m focused on, focused on winning this game.”
When attention is turned to the other X’s and O’s, this could be a matchup where Felix Okpara’s defensive growth shines.
Okpara’s reputation of being an elite defender and leading the Big 10 in blocks last season, continues to be a strength when protecting the rim. Going up against another big like Aidoo who’s averaging 23 minutes and 11 points from the field the last 5 games, Okpara will certainly be put to the test.
“Through the experiences that we’ve had playing against bigs we have, playing against bigs that can rebound,” said Mashack on Okpara. “I think he’s expecting that and I think he’s ready for it. He’s going to do everything he can to make sure he comes out on all cylinders.”
The Vols have no doubt been tested in their last two games, when Norfolk and Middle Tennessee exposed some areas of weakness.
Which is exactly what Barnes and the coaching staff wanted to see.
Barnes chuckled when he credited the coaching staff for finding the right teams to do that.
Those lessons become even more important when they turn their attention to the Hogs, who like the drive the ball hard like Norfolk and have good guard play like Middle Tennessee.
The challenge for the Vols will be on defense, with Arkansas’ gaurds’ ability to shoot it deep and spread the floor a little bit more.
“That’ll be something we’ll talk about all year about improving guarding the basketball,” said Barnes. “Improving helping your teammates, rebounding, all the fundamentals. You never, ever think you’re there. And so that’s why I keep talking about every day getting better because you’ve just gotta keep inching forward every day.”
Another item worth mentioning is Jamhai Mashack’s injury.
Against Middle Tennessee, Mashack injured his left pinky finger when he dove to the floor. He said his pink went a way it shouldn’t have.
It’s unclear when he’ll be 100 percent, and not being able to fully go has been such a frustrating aspect.
“It’s definitely frustrating, but you know, I’m here now and I gotta play with the cards that I’ve been dealt with. Going from there I am going to act like I’m 100% with the mindset and not hold anything back,” said Mashack.
The one thing’s for certain, Mashack always finds a way to give 100 percent effort.
Tennessee and Arkansas tipoff at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday from Food City Center.