Vols Basketball Season Preview

On March 28th the University of Tennessee basketball team finished their season with a loss to Michigan in the Sweet 16.  That was the last night Jordan McRae, Jeronne Maymon, Antonio Barton,  and Jarnell Stokes would wear the Volunteer uniform.

On April 15th, head coach Cuonzo Martin left to become the head coach at the University of California.  Even though the UT fan base had its problems with Martin, his departure came as a surprise.

Fast forward six months and the Vols have welcomed a new coaching staff and a plethora of newcomers to the roster. Head coach Donnie Tyndall, previously at Southern Mississippi,  had no choice but to almost completely retool the roster.  While Tyndall brings back Senior G Josh Richardson and Junior G/F Armani Moore,  the rest of the roster is either brand new or has very minimal playing experience.  Among the newcomers are JUCO transfers Kevin Punter and Devon Baulkman and transfers Ian Chiles and Dominic Woodson.

Offensively,  Tyndall will rely on Richardson, Punter, and former 5* Sophomore G Robert Hubbs III, while hoping for contributions from the rest of the roster. Incoming Freshman G Detrick Mostella has tons of potential and could possibly help.

The Vols will have to have strong defensive performances on a nightly basis in order to stay competitive in games this season. Moore and Richardson have proven they are more than competent on the defensive end, but the newcomers in the post will have to come along quickly. Willie Carmichael, Tariq Owens, and Jabari McGhee provide length and rebounding and shot blocking ability,  but their are questions about their strength.

There was little surprise when the Volunteers were picked towards the bottom of the SEC by the media.  It is up to the made – over roster to prove the doubters wrong.  With the pending schedule,  it is tough to envision an NCAA Tournament run this season, but that is why they play the games.