A few notes heading into Tuesday's exhibition:

  • Coach Tubby Smith has not announced his starting five for tomorrow, but said that Trevor Mbakwe and Ralph Sampson III were the only real locks for spots. Rodney Williams, he said, still needs to "earn some things."
  • Julian Welch turned his ankle in practice yesterday, Smith said, so it's possible he will be unavailable.
  • Smith says he can see the team playing a more up-tempo style with better and quicker athletes and more depth than last year. "We'll be totally different," he said.
  • Joe Coleman is leading the team in scoring and steals in practice, Smith said, as well as impressing all around. "He can score in so many ways," he said. "I mean, when the ball comes off the backboard, I don't think I've had a player that can transition from defense to offense as well as Joe Coleman."
  • Andre Hollins is shooting 50 percent from three-point range in practice, Smith said. He's also very pleased with the shooting of Welch and Austin Hollins, who he said are his three best long shooters right now. Point guard Maverick Ahanmisi has struggled from the outside, but has gotten better lately, Smith said.