Tennessee Lady Vols’ five biggest preseason storylines for 2021-2022

3. Who will bring depth in the post to keep Lady Vols’ length advantage?

One of the most underrated losses for the Tennessee Lady Vols is center Kasiyahna Kushkituah. Although Tamari Key, who is 6’6″, is now the main person at center and figures to take on an even larger role this year, Kushkituah provided the reliability that came with experience at the position. She averaged six rebounds and just under seven points as a reserve.

With Kushkituah gone, UT first needs Key to finally take that next step and become a superstar. She had a strong finish to last year, but that’s got to continue into this year. The pressure is all on her. Next, though, is for Harper to find a solid backup there along with a rotation at the four.

Junior Emily Saunders, who stands at 6’5″ and was a highly touted recruit in the same class as Key, should be primed to at least step into the role of Key’s backup. At the four, Keyen Green getting healthy and transfer Alexus Dye joining the program could create a rotation there.

If one of these players doesn’t work out, we mentioned Karoline Striplin as a freshman, and she could fill either position. Sara Puckett could fill the four if needed, as could Marta Suárez, who was a rotational freshman last year and should take on a larger role this year. Tess Darby is another sophomore could could fill the void. There are plenty of options, somebody needs to step up.