Tennessee basketball: Projecting Vols’ 2022-23 starting lineup

Center – Uros Plavsic

With John Fulkerson gone, Uros Plavsic is clearly Tennessee basketball’s starting center this year. He has waited in the wings for two and a half years and should finally be ready to go. Although Rick Barnes will finally play with more athleticism everywhere else, you can’t underestimate the value a seven-footer still holds.

At 7’0″ 252 pounds, Plavsic’s size automatically makes him an imposing force in the SEC. He started 21 games last year and, despite averaging just over four points a game, was actually highly efficient, shooting 57.8 from the field. That’s a good situation he puts UT to be in.

He needs to stay above the rim under the basket and improve his free throw shooting, but if those two things happen, Plavsic should finally be the inside presence the Vols need. Since he has three inches on Fulkerson, he could end up being more of an impact player.

Backup: Jonas Aidoo

The transfer of Brandon Huntley-Hatfield ended any question of what Barnes will do at power forward, and it clearly opened up a rotational spot for Jonas Aidoo at center. Last year, Aidoo was hampered by injury. That’s why he played just 19 games and averaged under eight minutes.

Still, Aidoo was a fringe five-star, and at 6’11” 234 pounds, he actually brings more potential than Plavsic. This year, Plavsic will be the starter due to experience, but they’ll really handle it by-committee. Tennessee basketball will be in great shape with both of them as well.