KNOXVILLE – Detrick Mostella’s answer was both refreshing and surprising.
Asked shortly after Tuesday afternoon’s 74-69 victory over Tennessee State how much defense he had played prior to this season, the Tennessee sophomore guard softly smiled and said, “None.”
No one plays basketball for new UT coach Rick Barnes unless he defends, however. Barnes will live grudgingly with poor shooting, questionable decision-making, perhaps even average rebounding. But you must defend. Always.
So after sitting Mostella for all but three minutes of a 94-86 loss at Butler on Dec. 12, Barnes pulled the Decatur, Ala., native aside and told him that his career was at a crossroads.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound guard apparently listened.