Tennessee Vols morning report: Basketball preseason, two players transfer
The Tennessee Vols men’s basketball preseason and two football players in the transfer portal lead our Volunteers news for Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019.
While Tennessee football does a bit of soul searching during this off-week, Tennessee Vols men’s basketball all of a sudden hits the news to excite the fan base. And that is a huge part of our coverage for today.
This morning’s update on Rocky Top leads with men’s basketball preparations getting underway. It’s a welcome report given how the football season started, as fans are already prepared to turn a page on what is supposed to be their biggest sport.
However, football still has news, including two players entering the transfer portal and a former assistant speaking out on the program. We also have the results of a men’s golf outing to bring you. But let’s start with the men’s basketball update.
Tennessee basketball begins practice – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
The Tennessee Vols men’s basketball program held its first practice of the 2019-2020 preseason Tuesday. Rick Barnes’s team took the court with six newcomers, including four freshmen, one transfer hoping for an eligibility waiver and one transfer planning to sit out this year. They replace four starters and also lost two other players to transfer. Here is a bit of what Barnes said about the new-look team.
"“I am excited. I think our guys are excited to get there and start seeing what we can to do to put it all together.”"
Two Vols enter transfer portal – WVLT
Tennessee Vols football redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jacquez Jones and junior linebacker Shanon Reid both entered the transfer portal Tuesday. Neither player was at practice, and junior linebacker Will Ignont was out as well.
"Reid, saw some playing time in Saturday’s loss to Florida. The junior totaled just six tackles in 16 games and mostly played on special teams. Jones, a redshirt sophomore caught his first collegiate touch against BYU gaining 9 yards on an end around in the 4th quarter."
Tyson Helton speaks on Jeremy Pruitt – Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com
As Jeremy Pruitt struggles to turn around Tennessee football in his second year on the job, his offensive coordinator from last year had a few comments about the situation. Western Kentucky Colonels head coach Tyson Helton came to Pruitt’s defense. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“Last year, the year I got to work with Jeremy, was invaluable, in my opinion,” Helton said. “I think he is an excellent football coach. I think he does a great job as a head coach, as well. He is trying to build the program back up, and as we all know it is going to take a little time.”"
Men’s golf finishes second at Inverness Intercollegiate – UTSports
With three players placing inside the top 20, Tennessee Vols men’s golf came in No. 2 at the Inverness Intercollegiate, shooting 12-over and finishing behind the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The top 20 finishes were senior Rhys Nevin-Wharton and junior Spencer Cross, both of whom shot three-over to tie for No. 11, and redshirt junior Chip Thomas, who shot four-over to tie for No. 17.
"The Vols are off the course until Oct. 6-8 when they travel to College Grove, Tennessee for the Intercollegiate at the Grove. This will be the first time Tennessee will play in the tournament hosted by Middle Tennessee State."