Tennessee Vols morning report: Velus Jones returns, Lady Vols resuming activities
NCAA and Tennessee Vols football and men’s and women’s basketball lead our Jan. 5 Volunteers news.
The first normal weekday of the new year was met with a ton of news related to the Tennessee Vols. Not all of it involved the program directly, but all of it will impact the program going forward in a big way.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with the NCAA’s huge decision in terms of how it will handle the men’s basketball tournament this upcoming year. We also have a story surrounding the women’s basketball team getting back to work. Both are COVID related. Then there’s a football story surrounding the investigation that broke last month.
A key player returning to the football program makes news as well along with the men’s basketball rankings. Finally, we have an update on a swimming and diving event and schedules for two other sports to bring you. Let’s start with the NCAA news.
March Madness to be held in Indiana – NCAA.com
To limit potential complications from COVID, the NCAA announced Monday it would stage the entire men’s basketball tournament in Indiana. Most of the games will take place in Indianapolis.
"The tournament will be hosted by Ball State, Butler, the Horizon League, Indiana, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Purdue, which are lending their facilities and staffs to assist with tournament operations. The Indiana Convention Center will be used as a practice facility, with multiple courts set up inside the venue."
Velus Jones Jr. returning – Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com
Senior wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. announced on Twitter he is returning to the Tennessee Vols football team for 2021. Jones, a graduate transfer from the USC Trojans in 2020, is taking advantage of the NCAA’s ruling allowing players who played in 2020 to keep a year of eligibility.
"Jones Jr. appeared in 10 games for the Vols in 2020, totaling 22 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 10 kick returns for 398 yards."
Women’s basketball team to resume activities – Matthew Ray, SI.com
After a week off due to COVID-related issues, the 6-1 Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team will resume activities Tuesday. This return comes just in time for their Thursday matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
"The shutdown led to the postponement of two conference games including Kentucky (Dec.31) and Texas A&M (Jan.3rd). Now, the Lady Vols are ready to return to action, according to a statement from Tennessee."
UT releases statement on NCAA investigation – Brent Hubbs, VolQuest
Weeks after reports that Tennessee football was under investigation by the NCAA and its own compliance department, officials have publicly addressed the matter. Here is a statement that was provided Monday by University of Tennessee Director of News & Information Tyra Haag.
"“We take seriously our institutional commitment to NCAA compliance, and are reviewing regulatory issues that have been brought to our attention. As part of that process, we are currently working with attorneys Kyle Skillman and Michael Glazier with Bond, Schoeneck & King. We will provide additional information when it’s appropriate.”"
Men’s basketball drops in AP, Coaches Polls – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
Coming off their shocking loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team fell two spots in the AP Poll to No. 9 and also two spots in the Coaches Poll to No. 8. They were No. 3 in the first NET rankings of the year.
"The Vols dropped two spots in the KenPom.com ratings, to No. 8 overall. Despite giving up a season-high 71 points, Tennessee moved up one spot, to No. 1 overall, in adjusted defensive efficiency after the previous No. 1 defense, Texas Tech, gave up 82 points in a home loss to Oklahoma State."
Swimming and diving finishes second day of Georgia Invitational – UTSports
On Monday, the Tennessee Vols swimming and diving program secured wins on the men’s 3-meter springboard and women’s platform, making for a very successful second day of the Georgia Invitational. Tuesday will be the final day of the event.
"Sophomores Kara Holt and Elle Renner continued their strong opening to the 2021 Georgia Diving Invitational as they placed first and second on platform. Holt took home the victory, scoring 246.65, while Renner finished with 234.00.…On the men’s side, Matthew Wade won the 3-meter springboard with a score of 394.25. Will Hallam (339.65), Keegan Richardson (337.15) and Jacob Reasor (304.70) placed third, fourth and fifth, respectively, with Nick McCann (201.80) rounding out the group in ninth."
Indoor Track and Field schedule announced – UTSports
Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Commodore Indoor in Nashville, Tenn. will mark the first of six regular season meets for the Tennessee Vols indoor track and field schedule in 2021. Program director Beth Alford-Sullivan announced the dates Monday.
"Tennessee’s indoor postseason competition will take place at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, as the Razorbacks will serve as host of both the SEC Indoor Championships (Feb. 26-27) and NCAA Indoor Championships (March 12-13). UT’s 2021 outdoor track & field has not yet been finalized and will be announced at a later date."
Men’s tennis schedule announced – UTSports
A two-day event in Chapel Hill, N.C. known as the Tar Heel Challenge, hosted by the University of North Carolina on Sunday, Jan. 10 and Monday, Jan. 11, will mark the start of the Tennessee Vols men’s tennis program’s spring schedule. Head coach Chris Woodruff announced the program’s slate for 2021 on Monday.
"In SEC play, the Vols are set to play home matches against Mississippi State (Feb. 26), Ole Miss (Feb. 28), Vanderbilt (March 26), Kentucky (March 28), LSU (Apr. 9) and Texas A&M (Apr. 11). On the road the Big Orange will clash with Georgia (Feb. 19), South Carolina (March 5), Florida (March 7), Auburn (March 12), Alabama (March 14) and Arkansas (Apr. 4)."