Tennessee basketball: Vols’ individual goals for the 2018-19 season
Derrick Walker – Lead the team in rebounds
This goal might bit a stretch for Walker in only his second season on Rocky Top. Plus there is the fact he isn’t getting as many minutes as other guys. But, what’s a goal if it isn’t difficult?
The kid is big, and he looks like he took really worked hard over the summer to get in great shape. The 6-foot-8, 236 pounder only averaged 8.8 minutes per game last season. With that time he did pull down 2.2 rebounds, but for his size that isn’t enough.
Walker does have to compete with Kyle Alexander, Grant Williams, John Fulkerson, and Admiral Schofield for most of the rebounds. Even Jordan Bone got in the mix with six rebounds against Lenior-Rhyne.
So, how can Walker reach his goal? For starters, he has to be more active. He should have a better understanding of the offense and where players are going to be. As we mentioned he looks a bit more athletic this season, so use that talent.
If Tennessee wants to move the needle from good to great, they are going to need role players like Walker to thrive in certain areas. Scoring isn’t one of them but defensively and rebounding could be Walker’s “thing.”