The holiday season is here, but it’s still a busy week for the Tennessee Vols. A huge recruiting day looms, bowl practices have begun and both basketball programs have major games coming up. Simply put, it’s an exciting December.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with coverage of the men’s basketball program ahead of one of their upcoming games. We also have updates on both basketball programs and where they now stand in the rankings.
Beyond basketball, football made news outside of what’s happening on the recruiting trail with one player joining UT early. We also have a tennis story to bring you, so there’s plenty to touch on today. Let’s start with the basketball interviews.
Justin Gainey, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield talk USC Upstate – Ben McKee, VolQuest
On Tuesday, the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team will host the University of South Carolina Upstate Spartans. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Assistant coach Justin Gainey and freshman forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield addressed the media Monday about the game. Gainey’s son, Jordan Gainey, plays for USC Upstate. Here’s a bit of what he said about facing him.
"“I’ve never coached him in a real game or a rec league game or anything like that. Never coached against him. So man, emotions all over the place. I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know what it will feel like. I know he’s a lot more calm and a lot more excited about it than I am, I’ll tell you that.”"
Huntley-Hatfield, meanwhile, discussed the fact that he’s starting to see more minutes now. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“I wanted to come in, play physical and play fast and explosive. I was trying to show coach that I wasn’t going to complain or be in my feelings about playing time. I am trying to come in every day and improve. I feel like he is seeing that, and I’m trying to do that every day. I’m keeping my head down and doing what I need to do to help the team win.”"
Basketball programs move in polls – Jack Foster, SI.com
After splitting last week’s games, losing in overtime to the Texas Tech Red Raiders Tuesday and then beating the UNC Greensboro Spartans 76-36 on Saturday, Tennessee basketball is now 7-2 and dropped to No. 18 in the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll. The Lady Vols, who moved to 90-0 with a win over the Georgia State Panthers, moved up to No. 7 in the AP Poll.
"Tennessee entered the game in Madison Square Garden against Texas Tech on a four-game winning streak, but a poor shooting percentage (27%) led to a 57-52 loss in overtime.…Tennessee is tied for 7th in the poll with Big East powerhouse UConn, and they remain second in the SEC behind No. 1 South Carolina."
Commit joins Tennessee football early – Ryan Callahan, GoVols247
One of the commitments in the Tennessee Vols football team’s 2022 recruiting class is already practicing with them. Defensive lineman Jordan Phillips out of Ocoee High School in Orlando, Fla. joined the program Monday.
"Class of 2022 prospects are not allowed to sign binding National Letters of Intent until Wednesday, the first day of the Early Signing Period. But Ocoee coach Aaron Sheppard said the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Phillips was able to arrive early at Tennessee and join the Vols on the practice field during their ongoing preparations for the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 because he has already completed the work necessary to graduate from his high school."
Director of Tennis Operations hired – UTSports
Greg Duggan has been named director of tennis operations by the Tennessee Vols men’s and women’s tennis programs. Duggar is from Knoxville.
"After graduating from UT in 1979, Duggan served for 34 years as a teacher for Knox County Schools. He coached several middle and high school tennis teams including Bearden Middle and High Schools, South-Doyle High School and STEM Academy."