Tennessee Vols – #5 SEC college basketball power rankings

Tennessee

Coach: Cuonzo Martin (1st season at Tennessee 19-15), Overall 80-56, 4 seasons

2011-12: Record 19-15 overall, 10-6 in SEC (Tie 2nd)

Starters Returning (3) Jarnell Stokes, Trae Golden, Jeronne Maymon

Preseason Tournament: Puerto Rico Tip-Off

Top Non-Conference Games: at Georgetown, vs. Memphis, at Virginia

Transfer Out: Renaldo Woolridge (USC), Wes Washpun (Northern Iowa)

1st year head coach Cuonzo Martin did a heck of job last season in almost getting Tennessee to the tournament, after Bruce Pearl was fired. The Vols were playing their best basketball down the stretch which brings hope for this upcoming season. Tennessee will bring back 6 of their 7 top scores from last season. The Vols should have one of the best frontcourts and experienced teams in the nation.

Leading the way in the frontcourt for the Vols will be Jarnell Stokes (9.6 ppg). Stokes only played half the season last year but when he was in the lineup you could see the added presence he brought to the Vols in the paint. He has touch around the rim plus he is a dominant rebounder and shot blocker. By thing for opponents he will only get better. Joining him in the frontcourt is Jeronne Maymon (12. 7 ppg). Like Stokes Maymon is good around the rim and a dominant rebounder. Both players could average double doubles this season. At the small forward position will be Jordan McRae (8.6 ppg). McRae can score in a variety of ways but he needs to improve his all-around game. The Vols have great depth here led by Kenny Hall (6.2 ppg) and Dwight Miller (2.4 ppg). Yemi Makanjuola (2.3 ppg) will also provide depth.

The leader in the backcourt is point guard Trae Golden (13. 6 ppg). He is really underrated nationally. Golden is very versatile offensively he can shot the three or attack the rim. He is the 2nd returning leader in assists in the SEC. Joining him in the backcourt is Skylar McBee (6.6 ppg). He is really only a shooter but a good one at that. The Vols have ton of depth but it is mostly inexperienced. Leading the way will be Josh Richardson (2.9 ppg). The following players will battle for time Freshman Derek Reese, Armani Moore, Quinton Chievous, and JUCO D’Montre Edwards. Whoever can adjust to the college game will get the playing time.

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