Tennessee basketball: Vols 2019-2020 top 10 individual game performances

7. Santiago Vescovi vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

20 points, 8 assists, 1 steal, 1 rebound

Tennessee wins 82-61

When Santiago Vescovi made his debut for Tennessee basketball against the LSU Tigers, his player profile was clear. As a guy coming from Europe, the freshman could shoot, he had great vision, and he had solid handles. However, as he adjusted to the college game in America, he would have to exert more control to limit his turnovers, and he would have to improve his defense.

This was the game in which he proved he could do that. Against an Arkansas Razorbacks team that likely was going to make the NCAA Tournament, Vescovi had his breakout game, proving he truly could be Lamonte Turner’s replacement and the future for Rick Barnes at point guard. He was the star of the show when UT hosted this team.

Despite no help in the backcourt from Josiah-Jordan James, who was hurt, Vescovi got red-hot. He scored 20 points and logged eight assists. Most importantly, he only had three turnovers, so an assist-to-turnover ratio greater than two-to-one with 20 points is perfect for what a point guard needs to be able to do.

Vescovi was efficient beyond just no turning the ball over. He shot six-of-10 from the field and three-of-four from the three-point line while nailing five-of-six free throw attempts. Now, he did still struggle defensively, eventually fouling out of the game. But his offensive production was elite enough for this performance to make the list. He proved he has a bright future.