Tennessee Basketball Preview 2021

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Nov 5

Our Tennessee basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that the Volunteers have appeared in the last three NCAA Tournaments. In 2019, the Tennessee Volunteers made it to the Sweet 16. However, last year, after finishing fourth in the conference, the Vols (18-9 Overall, 10-7 SEC) went to the Big Dance again and were eliminated in the initial round. When it was all over, head coach Rick Barnes (123-73 Tennessee/6 years, 727-387 Overall/34 years) put together the top-rated recruiting class in program history. Thus, he’s loaded the team up and, once again, has raised expectations.

Volunteers Frontcourt

SEC Defensive Player of the Year Yves Pons has departed. Can he be replaced? Our Tennessee basketball preview 2021 - 22 finds that the return of senior forward John Fulkerson will help. Although he lacked consistency last season, Fulkerson still recorded a team-best field-goal percentage of 52.7. He was good for 9.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG. Fulkerson, a premium two-way player, will lead this team. Freshman power forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, who’s 6’10,” will have an immediate impact. He’s a prime passer and accurate shooter who can stretch the court. At 6’11” and 230 pounds, freshman Jonas Aidoo, a top prospect, adds length and bulk to the frontcourt. Two experienced juniors come back.

Tennessee Basketball Preview – Backcourt

The backcourt loses two top scorers and NBA first-round picks, Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson. The country’s top freshman point man, Kennedy Chandler, should help the cause. He has elite speed, athleticism, and defensive skills. And, yes, Chandler, can score. Senior guard Victor Bailey Jr. is a reliable shooter, while junior Santiago Vescovi offers premium three-point shooting. Josiah-Jordan James is an able offensive rebounder who’s also fast off the steal. This is a sound and promising unit.