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Tennessee Lady Vols 2021-2022 season preview: Backcourt

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee's Rae Burrell (12) takes a shot during an NCAA women’s basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Connecticut Huskies in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, January 21, 2021.Kns Lady Vols Uconn
Tennessee's Rae Burrell (12) takes a shot during an NCAA women’s basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Connecticut Huskies in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, January 21, 2021.Kns Lady Vols Uconn /
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Tennessee Lady Vols guards Jessie Rennie (10) and Brooklynn Miles (0) during basketball practice in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.Kns Wbball Practice
Tennessee Lady Vols guards Jessie Rennie (10) and Brooklynn Miles (0) during basketball practice in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.Kns Wbball Practice /

Biggest questions

1. Who steps up when it comes to three-point shooting?

Rae Burrell provided the outside shooting for the Tennessee Lady Vols last year, but Kellie Harper now has two returning backups and a recruit who all were brought on board for their ability to shoot the ball. Somebody has to step up on that front.

Last year, UT shot 30.6 percent from the three-point line while hitting two and a half a game. We know what Burrell can do, but can Tess Darby and Jessie Rennie step up? Can Jordan Horston and Jordan Walker get above 30 percent? All of these things are crucial to Rocky Top’s offense.

2. Will the turnover issue get under control?

The Lady Vols have been one of the worst teams at taking care of the ball over the past two years. They averaged nearly 17 turnovers a game last year while forcing less than 14 a game for one of the worst turnover margins nationally.

Walker had more turnovers than assists despite starting the final eight games at point guard. Burrell has her own issues on this front, and Walker, despite the assists, could be better. Those three players are all the culprits, as they combined for nearly eight turnovers a game. That is another part of improving the backcourt efficiency.

3. How explosive of a duo can Jordan Horston and Rae Burrell become?

We know about Burrell’s star power. Can she take it to another level? She managed to shoulder a larger load last year with Rennia Davis hurt at times, but now she has to be able to do it for the full season. That alone is a major storyline.

Joining Burrell, though, Jordan Horston comes with expectations at guard similar to what Tamari Key brings in the post. Both were five-stars for their potential in 2019 and are entering their junior years. We asked the question about Key, and we’ll ask it about Horston. Can she become the explosive superstar she was recruited to be? If so, she and Burrell could make an elite backcourt.