Tennessee basketball: How Vols newcomers played in season-opener

Four players made their debut in the Tennessee basketball Volunteers’ win over the Colorado Buffaloes.

A handful of newcomers made their debuts Tuesday night for Tennessee basketball in the Vols’ season-opening win over the Colorado Buffaloes. From graduate transfers to five-star freshmen, Rick Barnes had help from four new faces running the court in UT’s 56-47 victory at Thompson Boling Arena on Rocky Top.

The four debutants, Sacred Heart Pioneers graduate transfer senior E.J. Anosike, Oregon Ducks transfer redshirt junior Victor Bailey, and freshmen Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson, combined for 22 points after all was said and done. Bailey not only started for the Vols but lead them in minutes played with 35.

After sitting out the 2019-20 Tennessee basketball season due to NCAA transfer rules, Tuesday’s game was the first time Bailey had taken the court for meaningful minutes in 628 days. He led the Vols at halftime with 8 points, and despite not scoring in the second 20 minutes, he finished the night with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.

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Anosike played 14 minutes off of the bench in his first game at TBA, and if he had shot better than 1-for-6 he might’ve played a little more. A player that Barnes said has improved on shooting most likely just had an off night – everyone does – but the former First-Team All-NEC forward concluded his debut with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and a block.

Then there were Tennessee basketball’s two highly anticipated five-star freshmen. The two first-year players combined for 10 points but 7 turnovers altogether, providing Barnes with material to work on in practice but building blocks to add on to as well.

Johnson, who hails from Shelbyville, Tenn. scored 4 points and had 5 turnovers. However, he stood out on the defensive end of the court. Barnes took notice and rewarded the in-state talent with 13 minutes off of the bench.

Springer was able to showcase some of his athleticism and finesse in the 9 minutes he saw on the floor, shooting a perfect 2-for-2 from behind the arc and adding 2 rebounds to his collegiate debut. Both Johnson and Springer each had a steal. Here are a few clips of what they did well in Tuesday night’s win. There’s a lot to look forward to with the energy they bring to the game.

For Vol hoops’ first game of the season, it goes without saying the squad looked a bit rusty. They shot just 35.8% from the field and struggled in their half-court offense once Colorado went to a 2-3 zone. Their defensive efforts should be applauded, however, as the Colorado squad they held to 47 points scored 84 and 76 points in their first two games respectively.

You have to think the team’s shooting will improve as the season progresses, and if they can continue to work hard defensively, this year’s Tennessee basketball team could be a problem for future opponents. The Vols are scheduled to play their second home game of the 2020-21 season against the Cincinnati Bearcats at 12:30 p.m. ET this Saturday afternoon.