New Tennessee Vols forward E.J. Anosike leads our May 27, 2020 Volunteers news.
We are almost into June, and as the country slowly begins to open up, more and more steps continue to be taken to ensure the return of sports. That’s obviously exciting for all Tennessee Vols fans who desperately want to be able to enjoy football and basketball seasons next year given all the excitement surrounding the program.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with an interview involving one player who is behind some of that excitement in basketball. He is a graduate transfer player who could end up making a huge impact of things turn out a certain way.
In addition to that, though, we still have some recaps from the 2020 spring athletics year that wasn’t. They involve specific awards when it comes to track and field. Let’s start, though, with the basketball story.
E.J. Anosike talks joining Vols – Talking Sports With Manny
Two months ago, the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball program made a huge addition by picking up Sacred Heart Pioneers graduate transfer forward E.J. Anosike. The brother of Lady Vols national champion Nicky Anosike, E.J. Anosike is 6’6″ 245 pounds and averaged over 15 points and 11 rebounds last year. Here’s a bit of what he said on this podcast about choosing UT.
"“I felt like UT had the best fit for me. I had a good relationship with the coaches, I watched them play, and I felt like, me being undersized, I knew I wanted to go somewhere that’ll give me a chance and won’t use that against me.”"
Seven track and field Vols earn All-American honors – USTFCCCA
The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named seven Tennessee Vols as 2020 All-Americans. On the men’s side, seniors Joseph Maxwell and Darryl Sullivan both earned honors along with sophomore Carey McLeod. Sophomore Alonie Sutton and Latavia Maines along with seniors Alexis Duncan and Dominique Turner earned them on the women’s side.
"On a broad scale, six different institutions had 20 or more total honors, headlined by Arkansas with 31. LSU wasn’t too far behind with 29, while Oregon and Florida hauled in 25 and 22, respectively. Kentucky and Texas A&M each had 20 honorees this go-round."
Track and Field Community Service Vols announced – SECSports
Seniors Nate Harper and Megan Murray were the two Tennessee Vols on the SEC’s Track and Field and Cross Country Community Service team. Harper is a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member, and Murray is a three-time All-Region Cross Country performer.
"The Southeastern Conference on Tuesday announced the Community Service Team for the sports of men’s and women’s track and field and cross country. The conference names a Community Service Team for each of its 21 league-sponsored sports, looking to highlight an athlete from each school who gives back to his or her community through superior service efforts."