Dan Fleser: Vols. Lady Vols Get Low Conference Picks

  • Wednesday, October 16, 2019
  • Dan Fleser

KNOXVILLE – Tennessee basketball teams didn’t distinguish themselves in the preseason projections for their upcoming SEC basketball seasons.

The Vols were picked to finish fifth in the conference standings by a select media panel while the Lady Vols were picked sixth. Only one player from each team received all-conference recognition as well with Vols guard Lamonte Turner and Lady Vols forward Rennia Davis both making second team.

The projections are predictable considering the state of both programs. The Vols lost Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield, Jordan Bone and Kyle Alexander from a team that won 31 games last season and reached the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament.

The Lady Vols, meanwhile, reached low ebb last season after failing to record 20 victories for the first time in 42 years and barely qualifying for the NCAA tournament at 19-13. They changed coaches, bringing in former Lady Vol Kellie Harper. They also lost guard Evina Westbrook, who tied with Davis the team lead in scoring (14.9 points per game). She transferred to Connecticut.

Both teams’ chances of being upwardly mobile and surpassing these predictions depend, to some extent, on the same factors.

Scoring

With the departure of the aforementioned foursome, the Vols lost 70 percent of its scoring from last season and 66 percent of their assists.

Returning senior guard Jordan Bowden will have to be a more consistent scorer. Highly regarded freshman point guard Josiah-Jordan James will need to prioritize scoring along with passing.

The NCAA ruling on transfer Uros Plavsic’s eligibility will be significant as well. The 7-foot Plavsic, who spend one season at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, at least could draw defensive attention away from other Vols.

Hunting for more points on the Lady Vols’ roster is a trickier task. Along with Westbrook’s departure, guard Meme Jackson, the team’s most productive 3-point shooter, graduated.

Sufficient scoring may involve getting a little more from many players. The quest could be boosted by offensive rebounding as well. The roster turnover hasn’t diminished the Lady Vols’ height.

Freshmen

The 6-6 James is Tennessee’s first McDonald’s All-American in eight years. The distinction speaks to his potential. UT coach Rick Barnes and James’ teammates are endorsing his work ethic as well.

Along with him, 6-8 first-year forward Olivier Nkamhoua wants to make an immediate impact, Barnes said.

“He has really embraced being coached and wanting to be out there,” Barnes said. “He comes in really strong. He is very strong. Very active. Terrific stamina for a freshman. He has made great strides.”

Lady Vol Jordan Horston has the most impressive profile of any UT freshman. The 6-2 guard was the second-ranked player in the Class of 2019 and was the MVP of last spring’s McDonald’s All-American Game. The Lady Vols will need a noteworthy contribution from Horston to achieve beyond their projections.

 “I just tell her to keep working hard and that everything is not going to always be peaches and cream,” fellow guard Jazmine Massengill said. “And when you feel like you’re at your lowest, just know that it’s always going to get better.”

Leadership

Turner and Davis ought to aspire to something more than second team All-SEC status.

They both have sufficient skills and experience. Turner is determined as well, having invested considerable time and effort toward preparing for his role as a team leader.

Davis’ ambition is harder to gauge. That said, she’s capable of more effort and needs to have a consistent presence with her team.

* * *

Dan Fleser is a 1980 graduate of the University of Missouri who covered University of Tennessee athletics for the Knoxville News Sentinel from 1988-2019. He may be reached at danfleser3@gmail.com.

   

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