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Tennessee basketball: 5 keys for Vols in 2017-2018 SEC play

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 24: Tennessee Volunteers players react in the second half of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 24, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Kentucky 82-80. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 24: Tennessee Volunteers players react in the second half of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 24, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Kentucky 82-80. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

1. Tennessee basketball needs its bench to step up. 

This is one reason that Rick Barnes can run his tempo based system better this year than he has in years past. And it’s a huge advantage Tennessee basketball has this season.

The Vols have a ton of depth, with over 10 guys averaging over 10 minutes, seven guys averaging over 20 minutes and nobody averaging 30 minutes. That’s a pretty impressive stat.

Over the past two years, Tennessee was not able to overcome key injuries that slowed down Kevin Punter and Robert Hubbs III. This year, Barnes has an arsenal of players to turn to. So while he needs variety on offense, depth will help him run his system.

But he needs to make sure this is an advantage. Remember, the SEC is loaded this year. As a result, all the coaches have recruited very well. And that has made for some pretty impressive rosters outside of Rocky Top.

So while Kyle Alexander and Jordan Bone remain elite complementary pieces in the starting lineup, they need to play key roles now. And in addition to Lamonte Turner, Tennessee needs more help off the bench on the perimeter from Chris Darrington and James Daniel III, the only senior on the team who has shown flashes of being great.

They also need bench help from inside players Derrick Walker and John Fulkerson, and Yves Pons’s development could significantly help that. If those guys develop more consistency, this team will definitely have a winning record in the conference. The goal should be to get to 12 wins. Depth , being multiple, and closing will be what gets them there.

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