Double Secret Scrimage: VU 82 - UNC 69

Word on the street is that VU took down UNC in a "secret scrimmage" this past Sunday at Memorial. Apparently, this was accomplished without Ogilvy. Though still unverified, blog feeds say VU won with a strong surge in the second half on the shoulders of their guards who protected the rock and drained a bevy of threes. Check out one of many blog feeds (scroll to bottom) HERE. Also, Fox Sports verified that there was in fact a scrimmage between UNC and VU this past Sunday, November 1. From what I can gather, the reason these scrimmages are kept "secret" is because schools are not allowed to charge for tickets and do not want press around.

Good Pub

SI pegs Ogilvy, Taylor, and co. as the 10th best Frontcourt in the Country.

In addition, Fox Sports rated incoming Frosh John Jenkins as the 3rd best shooter in the country. Not bad for a fella who has yet to play a game.

John Jenkins ranked #3 shooter in the NCAA

Named the 3rd best shooter in the nation (according to Fox Sports)...and he's never even played in a college game. He's the highest rated recruit in the recruiting services era and Stallings says "He's the purest shooter I've had."

Larry Smith Gets the Nod

As predicted, Larry Smith will get the go-ahead in the season opener this Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing him lead the offense and grow as the season unfolds. Story from VUCommodores here.

AJ Leads Boomers

AJ stayed behind in Australia after the team's trip to lead the Boomers in back-to-back "shocking" wins over the Yao-less China national team. Story here.

Katz on SEC Hoops

Katz has the 'Dores finishing third in the East behind Kentucky and UT and discusses AJ, Beale and Jenkins here.

Good Stat Read

See story here

Star Power

Perhaps the biggest off-season story is the Dores newfound ability to attract a higher level of talent to Nashville. The graph below shows the "star power" of Vandy's commits prior to each season's kickoff. Data is based off of Scout's ratings and commit dates.

'Dores Gear Up

It's that time of year again. The weather is turning warmer (south of the equator), people are laughing at my jokes again and the Commodores are in full pads. And although CBJ closed practice to the public, the folks at VandyMania and VUCommodores have kept us up to speed with practice reports, interviews and photos.

We've suffered some early injuries - some major, others only nagging - and despite a blow to the WR corps with an unfortunate academic summer term from UConn transfer Jeffers, CBJ and co. are putting the pieces together. I've been most impressed with the three freshman running backs - Warren Norman, Wesley Tate and Zac Stacey - they are clearly getting after it and will pressure a sidelined Hawkins for PT.

With just over a week until kickoff, one question still remains: who wins the QB battle? Both Smith and Adams have shared reps leading the first-team, but CBJ hasn't rendered a decision. Personally, I hand the reigns to Larry Smith. Mac Adams has performed well in a few big wins, but his inconsistency and inaccuracy worry me. Larry Smith throws a great ball and I think we as a team have more to gain in the next few years by giving him more game experience.

Go Dores.