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Tennessee basketball: Ranking all Vols NBA Draft classes this decade

By Caleb Calhoun

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: Tobias Harris of the Tennessee Volunteers greets NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected #19 overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the first round during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: Tobias Harris of the Tennessee Volunteers greets NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected #19 overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the first round during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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1. 2019

Players drafted: 3

Grant Williams – Boston Celtics; Round 1, pick 22

Admiral Schofield – Washington Wizards; Round 2, pick 42

Jordan Bone – Detroit Pistons via New Orleans Pelicans; Round 2, pick 57

Yes, Thursday night made history for Tennessee basketball. Not only is it the greatest NBA Draft class the Vols had this decade, but it’s the greatest draft class they have had in school history. For the first time since 1950, UT had three players taken. And there were 12 rounds in 1950.

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The Vols had the most players drafted of any class this decade, and they also had a first-rounder. That means a lot. Again, this list isn’t about judging how successful players are in the pros. It solely measures how elite the draft classes are.

Grant Williams, the first-rounder, was the Vols’ leading scorer the last two years. Despite being an undersized power forward ranging from 6’5″ to 6’7″ depending on how he’s measured, his ability to shoot free throws, potential to be a stretch four guy, width and understanding of positioning make him a very valuable player to have. So the Boston Celtics took him.

Meanwhile, Admiral Schofield is another guy built like an undersized power forward at 6’6″ 241 pounds. However, he developed into an elite perimeter defender, has solid athleticism and okay handles, and can shoot very well from the outside, going over 41 percent from three as a senior. So his versatility still made him a valuable second round pick for the Washington Wizards.

Jordan Bone was the least recognizable college star of the three. But he’s a 6’3″ point guard whose combine performances demonstrated more athleticism than Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook. And he can shoot from the outside. So he could be a steal as the No. 57 pick ending up with the Detroit Pistons.

Another senior from this class, Kyle Alexander, could be a pro prospect as a 6’11” guy who plays big under the basket. Rick Barnes got him as a three-star from Canada, and although he wasn’t taken in the draft, he could become a reliable role player as a free agent signing.

Next. Projecting Vol football's 2019 2-deep depth chart. dark

Simply put, Tennessee basketball loaded up the NBA Draft with picks this year, and that’s not surprising since they just spent four weeks at No. 1. But what is surprising is all of these guys were three-star recruits. And they all developed incredibly under Barnes. So this isn’t just the most loaded draft class. It’s the most overachieving class as well.

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