Reader wants moonshine at Neyland. Others just want to criticize Tennessee basketball | Adams

The best thing about Tennessee basketball is its defense. The second-best thing: It inspires my literary contributors when things aren't going as well as expected.

But first, let's take a break for liquid refreshment.

Mark writes: Ok, I like beer, a lot, I have been a Homebrewer since, oh about 1990 I believe, I mean hardly a week goes by that I don't stop by New Belgium for a pint, but hey, I know this is the Doldrums, but are beer sales at Neyland really that "Big" of a story to continually be writing about?

I mean, is it not possible to sneak a pint bottle of the "Good Stuff" into Neyland anymore? What they should do is forget the brewski and just sell moonshine, now that would fire up the golf ball and water bottle throwers FO SHO!

My response: You might be on to something with your moonshine recommendation.

I think it’s important that a football Saturday in the SEC reflect its region of the country. Moonshiners are as much a part of Tennessee lore as Volunteers.

However, selling moonshine in Neyland Stadium wouldn’t be wise.

My recommendation: UT should make and sell moonshine in a limited area outside the stadium. Imagine how that would rev up the tailgate experience.

As a precautionary measure, fans entering Neyland Stadium from the Moonshine Section should be required to take a sobriety test. Multiple falls would constitute failure.

Another reader is peeved that Tennessee didn’t sign dunk-master Mac McClung from Gate City, Virginia. McClung, who recently won the NBA dunk competition, played college basketball at Georgetown and Texas Tech before signing with the NBA as a free agent.

Phil writes: This kid was just too far away for Coach Barnes to fool with or maybe he just wanted another European vacation. I pretty much bet Mac McClung could hit a free throw.

My response: In Rick Barnes’ system, rim protectors are more important than rim rattlers.

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Glenn writes: With the inconsistent shooting in the last few games, it appears this team will match past Rick Barnes teams, and fall short in the Big Dance. Forget the high seeding. An early upset will probably occur, and fans can turn their attention to Tony Vitello baseball.

My response: Vitelllo’s team knows how to shut down an offense, too, but without “bear-hug” defense. A year after leading the country in earned-run average, the Vols’ pitching staff could be even better.

Larry writes: I just read a Kentucky story on Oscar (Tshiebwe) and Uros (Plavsic). I am a big UT fan, but Uros is an embarrassment to the University of Tennessee.

Barnes, I am sure he knows about Uros antics, is obligated to stop this kind of trash talk. Trash talk will always be there but cussing is unacceptable.

I could ramble on and on, but this kind of antics should stop by UT and/or Barnes.

My response: I can’t speak to Plavsic’s cursing. But cursing, like trash talk, is part of the game.

Most of the cursing I’ve heard in college basketball has come from coaches. Remember the salty days of Tennessee’s Kevin O’Neill?

That said, Barnes obviously isn’t happy with Plavsic’s play. Plavsic played only three minutes in Tennessee’s 68-63 loss to Texas A&M on Tuesday night.

Glenn writes: Olivier Nkamkhoua will need to come out of his shooting slump if the Vols are going to be successful going forward. Their defensive performance caused 19 Alabama turnovers. If they can match similar defensive performances in future games and Olivier can recapture his shooting touch on short jump shots in the paint, the wins will happen. He is the key for now.

My response: Congratulations on almost spelling Nkamhoua’s name correctly. I never write it without looking at the UT media guide.

Nkamhoua’s talent is overshadowed by his inconsistency. Like too many Vols, he provides only “sporadic offense.”

Too bad, Santiago Vescovi doesn't have a twin. As good as one Vescovi has been, two could have worked wonders for UT’s offense.

Don writes: Vols bigs are playing like a bunch of (wimps). Ask both big men at Florida and Vandy. Vandy big man dunked while dragging the (wimps) with him.

To beat Vols shut down guards and watch the team meltdown.

My response: Every defense has lapses in the post and on the perimeter. But it’s hard to fault UT’s defense overall.

Tennessee’s losses are more about a lack of offense, not a lack of defense.

Ron writes: Don’t be so hard on the best BB coach UT has ever had. It’s been a great season, even with the losses.

My response: Barnes has had a great career. But I would take Bruce Pearl – ill-advised barbeques and all – if I were trying to get a team to the Final Four.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Reader wants moonshine at Neyland. Others criticize Tennessee basketball