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Ranking all five Tennessee Lady Vols newcomers by potential impact

By Caleb Calhoun

Mississippi State forward Rickea Jackson (5) looks to pass during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee and Mississippi State, at Thompson-Boling Arena on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.Ladyvolsms0206 0227
Mississippi State forward Rickea Jackson (5) looks to pass during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee and Mississippi State, at Thompson-Boling Arena on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.Ladyvolsms0206 0227 /
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Jasmine Franklin, of Missouri State, shoots a free throw during the Lady Bears game against William Jewell at JQH Arena on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.Ladybearswj155
Jasmine Franklin, of Missouri State, shoots a free throw during the Lady Bears game against William Jewell at JQH Arena on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.Ladybearswj155 /

Offseason additions have been the story of the Tennessee Lady Vols under Kellie Harper. Four transfers and a five-star recruit have all been added, offsetting the four departures and maxing out Rocky Top’s available scholarships, 15, for the first time in years. National championship expectations have come with it too.

How much of an impact will those newcomers make, though? Among the transfers, one is a guard, one is a wing, and three are post players. Their impact will be based on a combination of the skills they bring to the table and the need for them at their position.

At least one of these players is certain to start, and it’s possible two or three of them get into the lineup. All of them are probably going to at least be in the two-deep rotation. Let’s break down who is most valuable, though. This is a ranking of all five newcomers to the Tennessee Lady Vols based on their potential next year.

Transfer from Missouri State Lady Bears

With Alexus Dye and Keyen Green gone, power forwards are wide open for UT this year. Jasmine Franklin was the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, and at 6’1″, she has averaged double figures each of the last three years. She also played for Harper her first year before Harper took the job on Rocky Top.

Taking all that into account, you’d think she’d be higher on this list. However, she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament back in December and missed the rest of the season after just 11 games. As a result, her return to health is a huge question.

On top of that, the Tennessee Lady Vols could have competition at the four spot with two other newcomers and Marta Suárez returning to health. Although Suárez is more of a wing, she could definitely move to the four if needed. Franklin will still probably be a rotational player next year, but those factors move her down here.