For the first time in what feels like ages, Tennessee men’s basketball will take the floor without a Mashack, Zeigler, or Gainey in uniform. It’s a striking change for a program that’s leaned on those familiar names in recent years. But while the roster may look different, the mission remains the same — to put a tough, competitive team on the court. And that’s exactly what Rick Barnes’ Vols appear ready to do.
Listen to the national media and the so-called “experts,” and you’ll hear the same refrain: this Tennessee roster is underwhelming. They’ll push Kentucky, Arkansas, or Alabama as the teams to beat in the SEC. And sure, those programs have talent. But there’s every reason to believe this year’s Vols can go toe-to-toe with any of them — and come out on top.
“They” will say this Tennessee team, while talented, will struggle to find rhythm and footing because of how “new” the rotation is. Funny enough, those same voices hype up Kentucky — a team rebuilding in almost the same way. I get the concern, I really do. But here’s the truth: they’re wrong.
Yes, there are a lot of new faces — but they’re experienced faces, and that makes all the difference. Take Ja’Kobi Gillespie, the senior transfer from Maryland. At six feet, he brings a wrinkle to the point guard spot that Zakai Zeigler, for all his talent, often struggled with: finishing at the rim. Per CBBAnalytics, Zeigler converted 63% of shots from zero to two feet and 59% from one to three feet. Gillespie? He finished an impressive 75% and 67% in those same ranges. In other words, Tennessee may have upgraded in an area that too often stalled the offense.
Tennessee also bolstered its backcourt with Ethan Burg, Clarence Massamba, and Amaree Abram — three players who bring different strengths to the two-guard spot. Burg, though new to college basketball, is 23 years old and battle-tested from his time with Israel’s national team and other high-level leagues. He’s a steady ball handler with the ability to stretch the floor. Massamba, on the other hand, is a rangy athlete whose length and bounce make him a versatile weapon on both ends. And then there’s Abram, no stranger to the SEC after starting his career at Ole Miss. He profiles as a catch-and-shoot threat who can give Barnes valuable scoring minutes right away.
It would be a crime to talk about this team without mentioning the most exciting Tennessee freshman in years: five-star Nate Ament. Already a contender for the No. 1 pick in next summer’s NBA Draft, Ament has drawn the inevitable “Baby Kevin Durant” comparisons — and in this case, they aren’t far-fetched. At 6’9” (most likely taller) with guard-like handles, a smooth jumper, and the ability to attack the rim despite a slender frame, he’s the kind of matchup nightmare college basketball rarely sees. Simply put, Ament gives Tennessee a potential superstar.
Last season, Florida’s dominant front court powered its run to the national title. This year, Tennessee may have the next-best unit in the country. Cade Phillips, Felix Okpara, a healthy JP Estrella, and freshman DeWayne Brown give Rick Barnes both depth and versatility up front. There’s even talk of Phillips logging minutes at the three, which would leave opposing offenses staring down a lineup with seven-foot wingspans stretching from the two through the five. That kind of length can smother passing lanes, disrupt shooters, and turn every possession into a battle.
On the coaching front, Tennessee lost Rod Clark to Indiana but quickly reloaded, bringing in two strong hires: Amorrow Morgan, a young up-and-coming assistant from Cal, and Steve McClain, a veteran voice from Texas. Both are known as sharp recruiters and proven talent developers.
TL;DR: Despite national skepticism, Rick Barnes once again has a Tennessee roster built to compete in the SEC and NCAA Tournament — with a real shot at bringing hardware back to Knoxville.
