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Tennessee Basketball: Vols need Grant Williams/Kyle Alexander clone for 2018

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 21: Grant Williams #2 and Derrick Walker #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers react after a three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the second half of a game at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 21, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won 62-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 21: Grant Williams #2 and Derrick Walker #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers react after a three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the second half of a game at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 21, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won 62-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Vols recently signed transfer guard Khwan Fore from Richmond. However, the addition of a big man would be huge from the 2018-19 season.

There was not much to complain about last season if you are a Tennessee basketball fan. The Vols finished the season 26-9 overall with regular season co-champs honors. They were able to receive a two seed in the SEC Basketball Tournament and a three seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The first paragraph lacks mentioning one of the most significant accomplishments in many years of the program by sweeping the Kentucky Wildcats. Oh, and there is winning in the always tricky Rupp Arena.

Now, the Vols did lose in the second round of the big dance, but not many people even thought Tennessee would be good enough to receive a bid. Even though the loss was in heartbreaking fashion, if fans are honest with themselves, they will count last season as a success.

In the offseason, the Vols lost senior guard, James Daniel III and Chris Darrington decided to transfer. That gave Rick Barnes and company two roster spots to fill. As noted above, the Vols already signed graduate transfer guard, Khwan Fore. The signing is questionable, but Barnes has proved in the past that he knows what he is doing.

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With the addition of Fore, the guards are set with Jordan Bone, Jordan Bowden, and Lamonte Turner all returning next season. So, it only makes sense that Rick Barnes looks for a big man to fill the the last open roster spot.

Preferably a big man that is a Grant Williams and Kyle Alexander clone. We wrote all season long how Kyle Alexander was a difference maker for the team. No, he didn’t score the most. And, no he didn’t always bring it rebounding wise. But, without him on the floor, the Vols were a different team.

In the game against Loyola Chicago, Tennessee was outrebounded by three. And, the Ramblers were able to shoot 50 percent from the field. Alexander was unable to play that game with a nagging injury.

All season long Alexander was able to play a big part in protecting the rim. He finished with 57 blocks which was 14 more than the previous season. He also had a stretch of eight games where he accounted for at least one block.

Now, moving on to the Grant Williams part of this player clone. Alexander gives the Vols the defense and Williams provides the Vols with the offense. There is no doubt Williams had help, but he was the SEC Player of the Year for a reason.

Williams averaged a team-leading 15.2 points per game on 47.3 percent shooting. There were only six games all season where he didn’t score in double figures. Against Vanderbilt in Nashville, Williams scored a career-high 37 points.

Next: Ranking the top 10 in-state Vols for 2018

Asking for a Williams/Alexander clone might be asking for a lot. However, if Barnes could make that happen, Tennessee could have a real shot at an Elite Eight or Final Four next season. Make it happen Barnes, no pressure.

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