Tennessee basketball: Jaden Springer named SEC Freshman of the Week

It’s clear that Jaden Springer’s return to the lineup had a big impact on Tennessee basketball last week, and the rest of the SEC is beginning to take notice. As a result, he was recognized on Monday for the value he provided.

The 6’4″ 204-pound guard was named the SEC Freshman of the Week for his efforts in leading the Vols to wins over the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Kansas Jayhawks last week. Springer missed both games the previous week, and UT lost both games.

Against MSU last Tuesday, Springer came off the bench and had nine points, five assists, four rebounds and a block while going 3-of-7 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line. His play helped Tennessee basketball overcome an awful shooting night to win 56-53.

On Saturday, Springer was back in the starting lineup against Kansas in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. He was once again 3-of-7 from the field but shot a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line en route to 13 points, the most of any guard on the team, while securing four rebounds, three assists and a steal. He helped Rocky Top dominate the Jayhawks 80-61.

The difference between the Vols with and without Springer is night and day. In their first loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, Springer left the game five minutes in due to injury. UT’s only two other losses were the two games Springer missed the week before last.

One of those two losses was by 26 points to the Florida Gators on the road. That was a far cry from the same team that beat Kansas, ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll and No. 18 in the Coaches Poll, less than two weeks later.

Although Yves Pons and John Fulkerson are the anchors for the team, Tennessee basketball relies on Springer’s play to help the offensive efficiency in the backcourt. Fellow freshman Keon Johnson is the specialist defensively in the backcourt. It’s great for Rick Barnes and co. to see one of them earn recognition.