Finally, we’re to the key guys from the rotation last year. Jordan Bowden is not a shock to anybody. He is a lock to be the starting shooting guard on the team, and he is the perfect off-guard for Tennessee basketball. Already, he went over 20 points in the exhibition, so we know what he’s about and what he can do.
The senior started most of his sophomore year but came off the bench last year as the sixth-man. That’s because Rick Barnes needed scoring off the bench. It didn’t matter. Bowden upped his scoring by one and a half points, getting it to 10.6 points a game, and he shot 37.8 percent from the three-point line.
When Bowden got hot, he got hot. At 6’5″ 193 pounds, he also has the proper size to complement his really good shooting, and he’s athletic. So this year, while not having to split time in a three-man rotation at guard since Barnes needs all three key guys, Bowden could likely develop into a star. This is his year to shine, and the Vols need him to.
Very efficient three-point shooting and scoring overall from the backcourt will be the focus. Bowden could also benefit from Barnes turning to a more up-tempo style this year. Simply put, he’s proven enough to be one of the two most important players on this list. And he’ll be looked at as a key leader for this team throughout the season as well.