Tennessee Volunteers Suffer Setback, Guard Josh Tabb Leaves Team

Josh Tabb has left the Tennessee Volunteer men's basketball team after being suspended indefinitely by Bruce Pearl for the infamous "violation of team rules."

Tabb, who stands 6'4" and weighs 196 lbs., was an extremely talented guard who started 11 games for the Vols last season.

He ranked third on the team—and best amongst guards—in field-goal percentage at 50.6 percent and easily led the team with a 42.4 three-point percentage, though he only attempted 33.

He also recorded an impressive 1.7 assists-to-turnover ratio and 24 steals.

Statistically, this reduces Tennessee's returning scoring to 93.06 percent and keeps them in first place in the league, while they now return 89.66 percent of their rebounding—second behind Vanderbilt.

More importantly, however, the Vols lose a potential threat from behind the arc and have even less depth in the backcourt. Only four guards remain on the team, and none arrive on scholarship.

This might even out the field a bit in the SEC, as Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and even Kentucky seem to have a better shot at toppling the Vols for the league title.

As for the national implications, this severe lack of guard depth might cost the team a deep run in March, as uni-dimensional teams tend not to fare well in the Big Dance.

One thing is for certain: This team cannot afford any injuries or suspensions of any kind to any of its guards in 2009-10.