Tennessee basketball: Vols most likely to leave early in 2021

Size: 6’8″ 223 pounds; Hometown: Helsinki, Finland

Depending on whether or not Rick Barnes plays small or big in the way we described, Olivier Nkamhoua may be in Tennessee basketball’s rotation. A global player who went to high school in Western Maryland, Nkamhoua was a three-star prospect in 2019 out of Bishop Walsh High School in Cumberland, Md.

Given his size and athleticism, Nkamhoua became a solid contributor last year. In just 11 minutes of play per game, he managed to average nearly three and a half points and exactly three rebounds. He showed his long-term potential on a larger scale than even Drew Pember and Davonte Gaines, and he stands to be more of a rotation player this year.

Now, if Barnes plays big like we talked about, Nkamhoua could potentially back up E.J. Anosike at power forward or Yves Pons on the wing. Unlike the other guys, he has two potential spots and won’t have to compete. However, if he plays small, then Nkamhoua will clearly be on the third team. Simply put, he’s not going to start.

As a result, Nkamhoua won’t do nearly enough to prove himself as an NBA prospect this year. He does have a better chance than most of the other bench players, we have named, but it’s extremely unlikely. We’re still naming players on the roster who are all but a sure bet to not go to the pros after this year.