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Tennessee basketball 2020-2021 preview: Frontcourt

By Caleb Calhoun

Feb 29, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward John Fulkerson (10) and guard Yves Pons (35) and forward Uros Plavsic (34) react to a play against the Florida Gators during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward John Fulkerson (10) and guard Yves Pons (35) and forward Uros Plavsic (34) react to a play against the Florida Gators during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee forward Drew Pember (3) runs from the locker room during a game between Tennessee and Wisconsin at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019.Kns Vols Wisconsin
Tennessee forward Drew Pember (3) runs from the locker room during a game between Tennessee and Wisconsin at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019.Kns Vols Wisconsin /

Biggest questions

1. Will Rick Barnes start three frontcourt players?

We know about Yves Pons and John Fulkerson, but Rick Barnes started Pons at the four because of how thin Tennessee basketball was down low last year. Now, though, the three backups from last year all have more experience, and Barnes added E.J. Anosike and Corey Walker Jr.

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Given that fact, is there a chance he starts three forwards? He could easily start Fulkerson at the five, Anosike at the four and Pons at the three. Anosike has the experience. But then how would he manage the major depth at guard? Either way, he’s got a good problem to have to figure out.

2. Did the rebounding improve down low?

We already discussed John Fulkerson’s rebounding, but given the fact that he and Yves Pons both failed to average over six rebounds a game, the Vols as a unit need to fix this issue. They were in the bottom-half of the SEC last year in rebounding margin at just plus-one per game.

If Uros Plavsic developed more and Barnes does indeed play bigger, this should naturally improve. However, Fulkerson and Pons could do more themselves as well, even if Pons does move to the three this year.

3. Which players separate themselves as the backup role players?

As we mentioned, Olivier Nkamhoua held the role as the top backup by default last year. However, Plavsic now has a full offseason, and Drew Pember is still there. Add in Anosike and Corey Walker Jr., and he clearly has competition.

Related Story. Vol basketball's 2020-2021 preview: Backcourt. light

This ties into our first question. If Barnes plays three guys, it’s more crucial that Nkamhoua, Pember or Plavsic show development, but one of them or Walker needs to step up even if he only plays two and has somebody come off the bench. We still don’t know who that will be.

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