VolHoopsInTheMix
A real life avid fan
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- Apr 8, 2025
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On Father's Day let's recognize the beast of a frontcourt we have. Our deepest & best frontcourt depth we have had in Knoxville in some time.
We have a healthy JP Estrella & that is something not to be overlooked or ignored by anyone. Some forgot after his injury but he will send a reminder.
At TN we have seen a big jump over the years from our bigs in the Junior season after the Sophomore year. And that is both Cade Phillips & Jaylen Carey who are both primed for big roles as experienced veterans.
Felix Okpara quite possibly could be one of the nation's best defensive bigs & shot blockers.
And Dewayne Brown has had an incredible transformation already before his freshman season has even started with all of his weight loss. The speed of the game most likely won't be a problem for the young guy.
Having 5 true bigs available who could contribute when called upon will make it difficult for opponents. Like in games where we get in post foul trouble or if a small injury here & there or a guy sits out a game for being sick, we wouldn't need to worry like we did last year.
My honest opinion we will have 4 bigs in regular rotation & all 4 of those guys could end up starting at some point this season. With 80 available minutes at the 4 & 5 I could see the minute breakdown averaging out in SEC play looking something like (24 • 22 • 17 • 17) those 4 being in no order (Okpara, Carey, Phillips, Estrella) I know those 4 probably won't take up the entire 80 minutes as we could possibly see Ament at the 4 at times... but I would definitely be disappointed if we only go 3 deep at the 4 & 5 positions on a nightly basis. We have a real opportunity to wear our opponents down & keep our big men fresh throughout the season with all of this depth.
It's hard not to be excited for the Vol Hoops season. Who will rise up as a father figure for the SEC?
We have a healthy JP Estrella & that is something not to be overlooked or ignored by anyone. Some forgot after his injury but he will send a reminder.
At TN we have seen a big jump over the years from our bigs in the Junior season after the Sophomore year. And that is both Cade Phillips & Jaylen Carey who are both primed for big roles as experienced veterans.
Felix Okpara quite possibly could be one of the nation's best defensive bigs & shot blockers.
And Dewayne Brown has had an incredible transformation already before his freshman season has even started with all of his weight loss. The speed of the game most likely won't be a problem for the young guy.
Having 5 true bigs available who could contribute when called upon will make it difficult for opponents. Like in games where we get in post foul trouble or if a small injury here & there or a guy sits out a game for being sick, we wouldn't need to worry like we did last year.
My honest opinion we will have 4 bigs in regular rotation & all 4 of those guys could end up starting at some point this season. With 80 available minutes at the 4 & 5 I could see the minute breakdown averaging out in SEC play looking something like (24 • 22 • 17 • 17) those 4 being in no order (Okpara, Carey, Phillips, Estrella) I know those 4 probably won't take up the entire 80 minutes as we could possibly see Ament at the 4 at times... but I would definitely be disappointed if we only go 3 deep at the 4 & 5 positions on a nightly basis. We have a real opportunity to wear our opponents down & keep our big men fresh throughout the season with all of this depth.
It's hard not to be excited for the Vol Hoops season. Who will rise up as a father figure for the SEC?
