So why did Jarnell Stokes have so much success against Vandy earlier this year. Isn't it obvious? Said Vandy forward Sheldon Jeter,"Because he's 270-pounds. I mean he's strong. That's what he is. That's his game."
Stokes had 19 points and eleven boards in UT's win over the Commodores. But the number that stands out the most to the Vandy players is Stokes size twenty shoes. Said Jeter,"First time I saw it, I was like, how do they even make shoes that big? But apparently they do." Added Vandy guard Kyle Fuller,"I think Stokes had blocked my shot, and I fell. I was actually looking dead at his shoes. He almost stepped on my face. It was like, gosh dang, this foot is big."
After somewhat of a slow start this year, Stokes has found his offensive groove. Said Stokes,"I used to force my offense. I think that made me struggle a lot just trying to get the ball and attack a double team. I'm more patient now."
Vandy will likely double team Stokes on Wednesday, but that's nothing new to Stokes. "Coach (Martin), we always insert a drill where I'm getting double-teamed."
Stokes is the reigning SEC player of the week having scored a double-double in five straight games. Said Vandy head coach Kevin Stallings,"I said earlier today he looked like a first round draft choice. I heard that maybe their coach took a little exception to that, and said I was trying to run him out earlier. So maybe I should say it this way. He looks like a player of the year type guy the way he's playing."
