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Tennessee basketball 2021-2022 preview: Backcourt

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee guard Victor Bailey Jr (12) dribbles the ball during a basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.Kns Vols Gamecocks Hoops Bp
Tennessee guard Victor Bailey Jr (12) dribbles the ball during a basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.Kns Vols Gamecocks Hoops Bp /
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Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack (15) participates in a drill during a Tennessee men’s basketball practice in Pratt Pavilion, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.Basketball0929 0265
Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack (15) participates in a drill during a Tennessee men’s basketball practice in Pratt Pavilion, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.Basketball0929 0265 /

Incoming freshmen

Kennedy Chandler

  • 6’0″ 171 pounds
  • Five-star (unanimous)
  • Memphis, Tenn.

By far the most highly touted recruit in Tennessee basketball’s 2021 recruiting class, Kennedy Chandler is immediately expected to step in and start at point guard. He is the reason Rick Barnes can move Santiago Vescovi and Victor Bailey Jr. over to the two.

Chandler is expected to be another one-and-done type of freshmen, but he’s surrounded by veteran scorers, so he should have no problem doing what he’s supposed to do at point guard. Reaching the six-foot mark is a big deal as well. That with his athleticism makes him dangerous.

Jahmai Mashack

  • 6′ 4″ 196 pounds
  • Four-star (unanimous)
  • Fontana, Calif.

Initially recruited as a forward, Jahmai Mashack will play in the backcourt in Rick Barnes’ system. He could be in line to be in the rotation on the wing if Barnes wants to go 10-deep and can’t find a backup point guard to Chandler, which would require him to move Vescovi back over. If not, though, he’ll provide reliable depth, and he’s got a bright future.

Quentin Diboundje

  • 6’5″ 217 pounds
  • Three-star (unanimous)
  • Montpellier, France

Here’s another guy who will provide reliable depth and is an elite sharpshooter. Barnes can turn to Quentin Diboundje to stretch the floor at times. However, this year at least, Diboundje will likely spend more time developing as a player. Within two years, though, he could be a star.

Zakai Zeigler

  • 5′ 9″ 167 pounds
  • Three-star (247Sports, Rivals); NR (ESPN)
  • Long Island, N.Y.

This is the wildcard for the Vols’ roster. Zakai Zeigler is one of the smallest players in Tennessee basketball’s recent history. He is expected to fill the void of backup point guard behind Chandler, and if he can do that, Barnes’ roster is set. Zeigler is super-athletic, so he can definitely contribute.

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