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Tennessee basketball: Team awards for 2021-2022 season

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) gives Tennessee guard Santiago Vescovi (25) a piggyback ride after a basketball game between Tennessee and Auburn at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Tennessee defeated Auburn 67-62.Volsauburn0226 1912
Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) gives Tennessee guard Santiago Vescovi (25) a piggyback ride after a basketball game between Tennessee and Auburn at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Tennessee defeated Auburn 67-62.Volsauburn0226 1912 /
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Jan 26, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) and forward Uros Plavsic (33) react to a play against the Florida Gators during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) and forward Uros Plavsic (33) react to a play against the Florida Gators during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

It was a bittersweet ending for Tennessee basketball, but the Vols did manage to finish the year with an SEC Tournament Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. Rick Barnes had a reputation for developing talent, but in this case, he was able to answer questions about his use of one-and-dones.

The combination of such players are what led to the Vols having the fourth most wins in school history in a year, and a bunch of different players had a huge role in that happening. Individual awards that players earned on here will reflect that.

This post will list the most improved player, the most valuable player and the best bench player, defensive player and newcomer. Each award will have a slide as we continue looking back on the season, and there will be a runner-up for all of them to. Let’s dive in with our awards for the 2021-2022 Tennessee basketball team.

Most Improved Player: Olivier Nkamhoua

Yes, he missed the end of the season, but Olivier Nkamhoua did play the first 22 games of the year. After averaging barely over seven minutes the year before, he started all of the 22 games he played in and averaged over 21 minutes. In the process, he took a huge leap forward for the Vols when it came to production.

As UT’s only true experienced stretch-four, Nkamhoua provided lots of value, averaging over eight and a half points, five and a half rebounds and one block a game. He would have been a huge help against the Michigan Wolverine’s size in the NCAA Tournament, but the 6’8″ 223-pound junior should be back to make a difference next year.

Runner-up: Uros Plavsic

After averaging fewer than five minutes a game last year, Uros Plavsic was a valuable center, logging over 14 minutes for Tennessee basketball while averaging over four points and four rebounds. At 7’0″ 262 pounds, he started 21 games. Playing the whole season almost earned Plavsic this award, but Nkamhoua got it for his production when healthy.

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