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Tennessee basketball 2019-2020 preview: Vols frontcourt

By Caleb Calhoun

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 15: John Fulkerson #10 of the Tennessee Volunteers looses the ball in the second half against the Wright State Raiders in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 15: John Fulkerson #10 of the Tennessee Volunteers looses the ball in the second half against the Wright State Raiders in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee basketball
Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images /

Returning talent

John Fulkerson

Redshirt junior; 6’9″ 212 pounds; Kingsport, Tenn.

Tennessee basketball only has one true post player returning who saw any significant time last year. John Fulkerson averaged over three points and two and a half rebounds as the backup center to Kyle Alexander in just over 12 minutes of action a game.

He looked much better than he did the previous year, which he spent getting healthy after a season-ending injury in 2016-2017. However, Fulkerson has not proven that he has the ability to replace Alexander. And he may not be tall enough to truly play center. So he’s got a lot to work on if he’s going to start this year.

Yves Pons

Junior; 6’6″ 215 pounds; Fuveau, France

The Vols’ most versatile player, Yves Pons was recruited to be able to play on the wing and in the post. Once a four-star recruit who could jump out of the gym, he was supposed to be Admiral Schofield’s heir apparent. As a result, we have Pons as a guy who will be in the depth chart for the backcourt and the frontcourt. However, Pons hasn’t proven himself on a consistent basis.

But he has gotten significantly better, and he had 13 starts last year, averaging just over two points and just under two rebounds in under 12 minutes for the season. If he plays as a stretch-four, his big thing should be getting better from the foul line, where he shot 40 percent lat year. We don’t know, yet, if Barnes will use him at the three or the four, though.

Zach Kent

Redshirt sophomore; 6’11” 235 pounds; Magnolia, Del.

Last year, Zach Kent missed the entire season due to surgery. But he’s the one returning player who actually has the body of a center for college at 6’11” 235 pounds. He only saw action in two games as a freshman, so he’s basically a newcomer. Still, at least has some in-game experience, and he could become a major contributor for Tennessee basketball this year.

Brock Jancek

Sophomore; 6’8″ 222 pounds; Knoxville, Tenn.

A walk-on, Brock Jancek did see action in six games last year. He’ll likely just be a reserve player again, but depending on how thin the Vols are, Barnes may have to turn to him if UT ever gets in foul trouble.

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