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Tennessee basketball: Ranking toughest Vols to replace for 2019-2020

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 29: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers and Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate on the bench during the second half of the game between the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on December 29, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won 96-53. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 29: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers and Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate on the bench during the second half of the game between the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on December 29, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won 96-53. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Alexander. player. 534. 4. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Forward. Graduated

Despite averaging in single-digits every season of his career with Tennessee basketball, Kyle Alexander was clearly a valuable asset. His value was proven two years ago when he missed the NCAA Tournament, and in the process the Vols lost to eventual Final Four team Loyola-Chicago with John Fulkerson playing down there.

Alexander averaged nearly seven and a half points last year, but he also averaged nearly two blocks a game and over six and a half rebounds. His interior defense made him a perfect fit for what Rick Barnes was trying to do, and at 6’11” 222 pounds, he was more than valuable when it came to making all the hustle plays, which is why he inked an NBA deal with the Miami Heat.

Now, Fulkerson has a taller task. He is the only returning post player with any significant experience when it comes to contributing down low. Redshirt sophomore, Zach Kent, who is 6’11” 235 pounds, is the only guy who is sure to play and actually provides valuable size.

Outside of that, Rick Barnes is going to be waiting on the eligibility waiver news for Arizona State Sun Devils transfer Uros Plavsic, who is 7’0″ 240 pounds. If he doesn’t get it, he will have no real proven size on the team, and that’s a major issue on his hands next year in terms of how big he can play. Alexander is that big of a loss, but at least there are some potential bodies.

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