(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The pile of drool that has become Kentucky basketball this offseason has overshadowed a lurking menace to the SEC in the form of Bruce Pearl's Volunteers.
I personally see very few arguments against the Vols being the heavy favorites in the SEC East. The Vols return every major contributor from last year's SEC East co-title team, add a talented newcomer, and have possibly the best coaching staff in the league.
Unlike the Wildcats, the Vols' preseason rankings—that all seem to be hovering around 10th—are deserved.
Pearl is an offensive coach, and this is well understood. He also likes his guards.
Both of these began to appear to be too obvious to Vols fans last season, as the team struggled to shut down opponents defensively and when the guards couldn't live up to their end of the bargain, their own offense collapsed.
In fact, in a Bruce Pearl oddity, it was the big men who carried Tennessee in 2008-09.
The Vols were physical and rebounded well, but struggled with ball-handling and shooting. Highly-touted freshman Scotty Hopson didn't live up to expectations and only one [backup] player averaged more than a third of their three-point attempts.
Despite the struggles in specific areas of the game, the Volunteers pushed their way into the NCAA Tournament and lost in the first round.
The offseason wasn't kind to the Vols, as their second potential all-star freshman Emmanuel Negedu went down to a heart condition and most assume his basketball career is over.
Josh Tabb, one of the most potential-filled players on the roster, was also suspended in September for an unspecified amount of time so he can "focus on academics". Look for his situation to be reassessed in December.
The Vols' recruits this season could help fill that void.
Kenny Hall
(No. 54 overall—No. 11 PF—6'9"—215lbs)
Hall is a versatile big-man. He's quick and has a limited face-up game, and is a competent shot-blocker.
His work ethic and competitive attitude make him stand out, and he should help with the Vols' depth under the basket this season.
While depth nor talent will be an issue for Pearl this season, the team needs to click on both offense and defense. An extra season with nearly the exact same players should help.
Tyler Smith —6'7", 215lb Senior SF
(17.4 PPG—5.8 RPG—1.63 A/TO—43.9% FG)
Smith is as close to as unclassifiable as is physically possible. The only thing he surely is NOT is a center. Past that, take your best guess.
He is an ultra-reliable player in every respect. He has an unlimited supply of energy and competitiveness, and is a dominating leader on the floor.
I'm a number Nazi, I admit this. But Smith is the only case in which I will shamelessly say his impact and ability hugely outstretches his efficiency.
He's the best ball-handling big(ish) man in the conference, and he is likely the smartest player in the league as well.
As Tyler Smith goes, the Vols go. He was named First-Team All-SEC this preseason, and will make a push for SEC Player of the Year.
Wayne Chism —6'9", 246lb Senior PF
(13.7 PPG—8.0 RPG—46.6% FG—32.0% 3PT)
Chism is easily amongst the most underrated players in the SEC. He ranks in the league's top 10 most efficient scorers, outranking even Tyler Smith. He's the third-most efficient returning rebounder. And that's just what the numbers can say.
Chism is dynamic and a massive mismatch for opponents. With his size, defenders tend to give him space at range, despite his numbers, and he more often than not makes them pay.
Chism is a game-changer overshadowed by game-changers. He should be a crucial piece of the puzzle for the Volunteers this season.
J.P. Prince —6'7", 205lb Senior PG
(9.9 PPG—4.2 RPG—57.2% FG—1.49 A/TO)
Prince is a slasher by default, as only 24 of his 222 attempts last season were from behind the arc. Good thing, though, as only three of those went in.
He's an explosive and athletic scorer, with speed and ball-handling skills. He's also a very talented on-ball defender and capable rebounder.
Prince plays an important role for the Vols, and should continue to do so this season.
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