What Rick Barnes said about officiating, Zach Edey in Tennessee basketball vs Purdue

DETROIT — Rick Barnes walked toward an official, arms raised straight in the air.

The Tennessee basketball coach was emulating what he believed J.P. Estrella had done defensively on that possession against Purdue center Zach Edey in the second half of the Elite Eight game.

It didn’t matter what Barnes thought. A foul was called on Estrella, one of the 16 fouls called on the Vols trying to defend Edey.

“He’s a difficult guy to guard against,” Barnes said. “But he’s a difficult guy for referees to officiate, too. I don’t care what anybody says: He’s a hard guy to do that with because he’s a unique guy in terms of how he plays.”

No. 2 seed Tennessee (27-9) lost 72-66 to No. 1 seed Purdue (33-4) on Sunday, falling a game shy of the program’s first Final Four.

Edey, the 2023 national player of the year, had 40 points and 16 rebounds. He was 14-for-22 shooting on free throws. He was called for one foul in 39 minutes.

Zach Edey drew 16 fouls against Tennessee basketball and was called for one

Barnes did not blame officiating for Tennessee’s season-ending loss, expressly stating he was not complaining about that. He mostly explained what makes Edey hard to guard. The 7-foot-4 center is physical and requires physical defense.

Barnes praised the way Edey uses his body to create post position. He also credited him for his improved footwork in the post.

Barnes called Edey a “very unique player.” He repeatedly stated that “it’s a very hard game to officiate.”

“I think it’s hard for officials because there’s not many guys like that,” Barnes said. “The game has changed so much through the years. Whether you stay in the lane three seconds or you don’t, if you don’t ever get out, it really distorts everything.

“I’m not saying he did or he didn’t, but watching tape, he’s a difficult guy to officiate, I can tell you that.”

Tennessee was called for 25 fouls as a team, while Purdue was called for 12. Edey drew 16. He shot 22 of Purdue’s 33 free throws to Tennessee’s…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rick-barnes-said-officiating-zach-002921289.html

Author : Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Publish date : 2024-04-01 00:29:21

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