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Tennessee basketball: 5 bold predictions for Vols 2019-2020 season

By Billy Williford

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 24: Lamonte Turner #1 and Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers react after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 83-77 in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 24: Lamonte Turner #1 and Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers react after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 83-77 in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 17: Bruce Pearl of the Auburn Tigers gives celebrates after 84-64 win over the Tennessee Volunteers during the final of the SEC Basketball Championships at Bridgestone Arena on March 17, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 17: Bruce Pearl of the Auburn Tigers gives celebrates after 84-64 win over the Tennessee Volunteers during the final of the SEC Basketball Championships at Bridgestone Arena on March 17, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

4. Josiah James will come back for year two

Josiah James is one of the best recruits to ever sign with the Tennessee basketball program according to the star rating from 247Sports. According to the 247Sports Composite rating, the five-star recruit ranks 16th in the nation, third combo guard, and the top player from South Carolina.

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Most experts that cover both the college game and the NBA believes James is a lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, for this bold prediction, we think James will come back to play a second season with the Vols.

If Jordan Bone and Grant Williams keep their names in the NBA and don’t return to school, there is a good chance Tennessee will lean on James to be the leader.

He’s one of the best all-around players a part of the 2019 recruiting class.

James doesn’t have the best outside jumper, but his ability to get to the rack is second to none. And, he was outstanding on the defensive end with the ability to guard multiple positions.

However, I worry that Rick Barnes’ offensive system if James is great creating plays for himself, he won’t be able to shine like a lottery pick.

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