Tennessee Vols morning report: Rick Barnes, players talk USC Upstate win
Welcome to the final busy day of the year for the Tennessee Vols. The Early Signing Period has begun, and we’ll be covering everything that goes into play there throughout the day, as this is a huge deal for Josh Heupel and his staff.
Before getting to that, though, we’ve got regular news surrounding the program to get to. Our morning update on Rocky Top involves multiple interviews with UT football and men’s basketball players, a UT football assistant and the UT men’s basketball head coach on the heels of another blowout basketball win Tuesday.
Beyond these interviews, though, awards in soccer and women’s basketball also made news. Finally, we’ll close things out with a preview of a swimming and diving event. Simply put, it’s a huge day beyond just recruiting, so let’s get started with the interveiws.
Rick Barnes talks USC Upstate win – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
In their second straight game against a team named the Spartans, the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team, ranked No. 18 in both polls, blew out the University of South Carolina Upstate Spartans Tuesday night to improve to 8-2 on the year. Head coach Rick Barnes spoke after the game. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“There were a couple specific things that we wanted to see if we could get better with tonight. Rebounding the ball, taking care of the ball. Speed of the game, the way we want to play. I do think that the way to describe it is I do think we were efficient.”"
Players recap USC Upstate – Ben McKee, VolQuest
Olivier Nkamhoua led the way for Tennessee basketball in its 96-52 win over USC Upstate Tuesday with 21 points. Kennedy Chandler had a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. After the game, Nkamhoua, who also had eight rebounds, discussed his play on the glass. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“There were a couple specific things that we wanted to see if we could get better with tonight. Rebounding the ball, taking care of the ball. Speed of the game, the way we want to play. I do think that the way to describe it is I do think we were efficient.”"
Jahmai Mashack, who had three points off the bench, also spoke after the game. Here’s a bit of what he said about getting early minutes before the start of SEC play.
"“You have to make the most of it. You get out there and it’s not just to do whatever and just play, you have to prove to yourself, your teammates, and coaches that you can play this game. And that you limit mistakes by playing basketball the right way.”"
Alex Golesh talks bowl prep – Matt Ray, SI.com
As the Tennessee Vols football team continues preparing for its Dec. 30 Music City Bowl matchup against the Purdue Boilermakers, offensive coordinator Alex Golesh met with the media Tuesday morning to discuss how things were going for the future. Here’s a bit of what he said about what Hendon Hooker’s decision to return means for the program.
"“That was an awesome two-week conversation and, in a lot of ways, an early Christmas present for all of us, to get a veteran guy to come back. As much as anything, gratifying that he wants to be here, gratifying that he wants to lead the offense and I’m so proud of what he’s done and just the next step that he can take.”"
Players talk bowl prep – Brent Hubbs, VolQuest
Three key Tennessee football players met with the media Tuesday in addition to Alex Golesh. Hendon Hooker, Cedric Tillman and Velus Jones Jr. all spoke. Tillman said he’s made a decision on whether or not he’ll return next year but that he’s thinking about it and an announcement will come soon. Here’s a bit of what he said about the importance of the bowl game.
"“For me personally, I think the bowl game is very important. I have been looking forward to it all season. Just been grinding and trying to make it to one. Now that we are here, definitely not going to let up.”"
Hooker discussed what went into his decision to return to UT for another year. Here’s a bit of his explanation on that front.
"“Really, it was just prayer, talking to my family and the coaches as well, getting their feedback on what they thought of my season and my production. I have gotten a couple of grades back. It’s really about just trusting the process, like I’ve always done, keeping my head down, working hard and controlling what I can control.”"
Jones, who has no more eligibility left, discussed the impact Josh Heupel has had on the program. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“After last year’s season, with the turnaround and new coaches coming in, I didn’t know what was going to happen honestly. I just took a leap of faith. I came here for a reason, and I was going to stick it out. I prayed about it, talked about it to my family. Just truly blessed to have a coach like Coach Heupel to come in to turn this thing around with a positive mindset. Everything he told us from the beginning, he lived up to it, and that’s what I can really respect about Coach.”"
Brooklynn Miles named SEC Freshman of the Week – SECSports
For the first time in her career on Rocky Top, Tennessee Lady Vols guard Brooklynn Miles won a weekly SEC award. She was the second straight UT player to be named SEC Freshman of the Week, following Sara Puckett last week. Miles earned the award for her 11 points in an 84-60 win over the Georgia State Panthers Sunday.
"UT’s back-up point guard and one of the first off the bench for Kellie Harper every game, Harper committed only one turnover in 20 minutes of duty vs. the Panthers and helped the Lady Vols to their highest offensive output of the year. Miles now has 13 assists to only three turnovers in her past three contests, and has a positive ratio of 21 dimes to 13 miscues for the season."
Three soccer Vols earn postseason awards – TopDrawerSoccer.com
TopDrawerSoccer’s postseason Best XI teams included three Tennessee Lady Vols. Senior Wrenne French earned second team, Taylor Huff earned Freshman first team, and Jordan Fusco earned Freshman second team.
"As is tradition, TopDrawerSoccer unveils its 2021 postseason awards, highlighting some of the top players in the current season. Taking into consideration conference awards, postseason play, team performance and much more, the awards try to recognize some of the best players in the fall season."
Swimming and Diving begins Auburn Diving Invitational – UTSports
Wednesday marks the start of the Tennessee Vols and Lady Vols diving team’s events at the Auburn Invitational, which will last through Saturday, Dec. 18. Hosted by the Tigers, the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers also will take part in it.
"In their last time out, the UT divers posted a strong showing at the Tennessee Invitational, as every Vol and Lady Vol that competed earned at least one NCAA Zone qualifying score. In total, Tennessee finished with 24 zone scores between prelims and finals."