John Thornton scouts Texas A&M's matchup with the Vanderbilt Commodores

Key notes from Dr. John Thornton interview

• This is the time of year where you're playing for something or not. The kids are either locked in or not. Still, these guys have been competitive. The teams they've played have had success and are in good spots. We've been in every game, and we've battled. I've been impressed by the competitive nature that they've exhibited. We were in the game at Arkansas with minutes today, and that Razorback team is playing for everything.
   
• Emanuel Miller looks like a different guy. As the season has progressed, I've had to ask myself if it's for real. He has a motor and does not take a play or practice off. He has gotten better and better. He has developed his jumper and is making 80 percent of his free throws. He's the leading rebounder. What more does he need to do to prove that he's legit?
   
• I'm watching Savion Flagg and Quenton Jackson because they've shown what they can do offensively. Quenton had as good of a night against Arkansas as he ever has. Those two need to continue what they're doing. Who knows how much playing or practice time they've got. I love Andre Gordon and Hassan Diarra. They need to run the offense.
   
• Scottie Pippen Jr. is averaging almost 20 points a game, and he is what you want in a point guard. He is the key to the game to me. What is the strategy to offset him? A&M has had success running some different zones, and they've bothered Arkansas and Mississippi State early. You have to rebound well out of it. You cannot let them get a bunch of offensive rebounds. Keep Pippen out of the paint and don't allow him to kick it to others. Scottie is the guy, and he has to play well for Vanderbilt to win.
   
• I would try to keep somebody in front of Pippen always. I do not want him in the lane. A&M has done a good job communicating in the zone. Still, I want to pressure him. Gordon did a good job on him at Vanderbilt last year. I want to match up man-to-man with him to keep him in front of you.
   
• I loved the last two games from A&M. I'm a positive guy, and I think they want to finish well. If they are connected as they have been defensively and guys like Savion and Eman can continue their offensive role, they'll be competitive. Why wouldn't you be ready to make a run in this deal? You still have to take it one game at a time, but this team isn't afraid of playing anybody. They have a chance to do something. The SEC has been all over the place. Alabama, Arkansas, LSU are all talented, and there are teams with some track records. Still, you could get into the mix and get on a roll a little bit.
   
• For them to do well, they have to win multiple nights back-to-back. They'll be fortunate enough to win a couple of games before the fatigue sets in. I like their mentality going into this tournament. A&M might be a little more well-rested.