Tennessee basketball: Five most important Vols for 2019-2020

Again, this is a list solely based on talent. There’s no doubt that Josiah-Jordan James brings more talent to Tennessee basketball than any freshman this year, and as a five-star, he’s the first freshman ever since Rick Barnes took over who came in with expectations to immediately make an impact. That puts him at No. 3 on this list.

James did score double-figures and earned a start in the exhibition game for the Vols as well. A 6’6″ 208-pound combo guard, his talent is not to overlook, and he could end up being a superstar for this team. Barnes will have to rely on the backcourt heavily, and James is going to be a guy he needs to do that.

As he did in the opener, James will likely get the start at the three the whole season. Meanwhile, Barnes will likely make him the No. 2 point guard, so he’s got multiple roles to play. That’s a lot to ask for a freshman who is going to be the No. 3 scoring option among the guards.

But that’s James’s task this year. And there’s plenty of reason to believe he can manage it. As he develops throughout the season, he’ll likely begin to shoulder a larger role. But in what could be good news for Rocky Top, he may also have room for development to stay at least two years than we are all aware of. He’s already going to be critical this year.