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Tennessee basketball preview by position: Back court outlook

By Billy Williford

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Members of the Tennessee Volunteers team huddle before the game against the Loyola Ramblers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Members of the Tennessee Volunteers team huddle before the game against the Loyola Ramblers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 13: Jalen Johnson #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives against DJ Hogg #1 of the Texas A&M Aggies in the first half of a game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 13, 2018, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Final take

Having Grant Williams on your team is a great asset, he is one of the best players in the nation. Any coach would love to have Williams as the leader of their team.

But, what wins in March? Great guard play. And, Tennessee has good guard play, just not great. Last year’s Final Four teams had at least one thing in common. They all had one guard that scored at least 13 points per game.

Charles Matthews – Michigan 13.0 ppg

Clayton Custer – Loyola (Chi) 13.2 ppg

Jalen Brunson – Villanova 18.9 ppg

Devonte’ Graham – Kansas 17.3 ppg

Tennessee fans know all too well about great guard play in March. Clayton Custer was one of the reasons why the Vols didn’t advance further in the NCAA Tournament. He hit a game-winning shot during the final seconds to send the Vols home.

It isn’t out of the realm of possibilities that the Vols could have three guards average in double figures on the year.

You have to remember Bone, Bowden, and Turner should all get a couple of extra minutes per game with the departure of James Daniel III and Chris Darrington.

Next. Tennessee basketball preview by position: Front court outlook. dark

Tennessee has a tough nonconference schedule to start the season are going to need the guard play to step up to win those games. Every team is going to be locked in on Williams and Schofield, so the guards have the ability to shine early and often.

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