Tennessee Lady Vols 2017-2018 depth chart projections

Center

1. Mercedes Russell

Although the shooting guard position is the position with the most raw talent overall, this may be the best position overall. That’s because it involves a freshman phenom and a redshirt senior who has more raw talent and experience than anybody on the roster. And there is no debate that Mercedes Russell, that specific senior, will start here.

Entering her fifth year with the Tennessee Lady Vols, Russell figures to pick up even more of the load after averaging 16 points and nearly 10 rebounds a game last year. At 6’6″, Holly Warlick will rely on her more than ever to use her unique size to impose her will on opponents. And if she can complement Cheridene Green down low with help from outside shooters, she could be dominant.

Russell is one of the people Warlick is likely to rely on a lot. But she has some real help in the post game as well.

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2. Kasiyahna Kushkituah

Another freshman phenom, Kasiyahna Kushkituah is likely to be the third person in the rotation of the post players in general for the Tennessee Lady Vols. However, with her 6’4″ frame, it made more sense to move her to center and Kamera Harris over to power forward.

Kushkituah was the lowest-rated member of the 2017 lady Vols’ recruiting class. But she was still a four-star and one of the top post players in the country. She is the perfect understudy for Russell. With her raw talent, she could make an immediate impact and give Russell a breather. At the same time, she could learn pointers. That’s why she’s the perfect fit here.