Next season

[HippieVol33]

I know it’s likely FAR too early to look ahead. The sting from that loss may hurt worse than the Loyola Chicago loss. But we have to look ahead to another season. IMO! Our roster won’t change a whole lot as I don’t see many guys transferring. I think the name that has floated the most is Victor Bailey Jr. and as much as I’d hate to see him go, I think it would be in his best interest. Then you have Kennedy Chandler, who is gone to the draft no question. Fulkerson (love the kid and hope he goes the GA route) is gone as well. So IF Bailey leaves that would leave us two spots to fill after BJ Edwards takes KC spot. That leaves:
PG: Zakai
SG: Vescovi
SF: Josiah James
PF: Olivier
C: Plavsic

I think this is likely your starting 5 unless Barnes sees incredible improvements from Aidoo and BHH.

Bench:
BHH
Aidoo
Powell
Mashack
Q
BJ Edwards
?
?

My main question is what would everybody like to see us add to that roster to take us to that next step?
Also, what happens if guys like Vescovi and JJJ decide to leave? I mean, they feels like a set back of losing Admiral and Grant Williams. Though, I don’t think either will leave, it’s possible from what I’ve heard. Anyway, let’s talk 2022-2023.

 

[Tennessee Vols Fan!!!!]

While all of our bigs come back besides Fulky, I still think we need to pursue a big. Post game was our downfall this season and until we get consistent down there, we shouldn't hope for a major improvement from these guys next year. Need someone who's a bully that WILL score down low

 

[Tennessee Vols Fan!!!!]

As for JJJ or Santi, I don't think those guys are leaving. Losing JJJ would hurt the most and be extremely hard to replace, but I don't see him leaving. Hopefully Mashack can develop into a player like him!

 

[HippieVol33]

While all of our bigs come back besides Fulky, I still think we need to pursue a big. Post game was our downfall this season and until we get consistent down there, we shouldn't hope for a major improvement from these guys next year. Need someone who's a bully that WILL score down low

I think that BHH can become a legit type of guy down low. He only got better and better as the season progressed.

 

[Tennessee Vols Fan!!!!]

I think that BHH can become a legit type of guy down low. He only got better and better as the season progressed.

I certainly think it's possible he can develop into a consistent threat. His work ethic seemed to pick up this season. As for his shot selection, he needs to get a lot better with taking smart shots. Saw soooo many bad shots from him this year. If he can get quicker and add like 10 pounds of muscle by the start of the season, that would be interesting

 

[volball57]

I know it’s likely FAR too early to look ahead. The sting from that loss may hurt worse than the Loyola Chicago loss. But we have to look ahead to another season. IMO! Our roster won’t change a whole lot as I don’t see many guys transferring. I think the name that has floated the most is Victor Bailey Jr. and as much as I’d hate to see him go, I think it would be in his best interest. Then you have Kennedy Chandler, who is gone to the draft no question. Fulkerson (love the kid and hope he goes the GA route) is gone as well. So IF Bailey leaves that would leave us two spots to fill after BJ Edwards takes KC spot.

You left off Tamba. Based on who can is eligible to return, we technically don't have a scholarship for Edwards. Kennedy going to the NBA is probable. Barnes' comments during senior day sounded like Bailey would be encouraged to go somewhere else for more playing time, but if Bailey wanted to stay I doubt Barnes would get rid of him unless Kennedy was to come back.
Fulkerson didn't count towards scholarships this year so his departure doesn't matter. I don't know if underclassmen that were eligible for the extra year won't count towards scholarship numbers their extra year,but I thought it was just for this years super seniors.

 

[HippieVol33]

You left off Tamba. Based on who can is eligible to return, we technically don't have a scholarship for Edwards. Kennedy going to the NBA is probable. Barnes' comments during senior day sounded like Bailey would be encouraged to go somewhere else for more playing time, but if Bailey wanted to stay I doubt Barnes would get rid of him unless Kennedy was to come back.
Fulkerson didn't count towards scholarships this year so his departure doesn't matter. I don't know if underclassmen that were eligible for the extra year won't count towards scholarship numbers their extra year,but I thought it was just for this years super seniors.

You’re correct. That my fault. I completely forgot about the super senior scholarship stuff.

 

[njvols]

I know it’s likely FAR too early to look ahead. The sting from that loss may hurt worse than the Loyola Chicago loss. But we have to look ahead to another season. IMO! Our roster won’t change a whole lot as I don’t see many guys transferring. I think the name that has floated the most is Victor Bailey Jr. and as much as I’d hate to see him go, I think it would be in his best interest. Then you have Kennedy Chandler, who is gone to the draft no question. Fulkerson (love the kid and hope he goes the GA route) is gone as well. So IF Bailey leaves that would leave us two spots to fill after BJ Edwards takes KC spot. That leaves:
PG: Zakai
SG: Vescovi
SF: Josiah James
PF: Olivier
C: Plavsic

I think this is likely your starting 5 unless Barnes sees incredible improvements from Aidoo and BHH.

Bench:
BHH
Aidoo
Powell
Mashack
Q
BJ Edwards
?
?

My main question is what would everybody like to see us add to that roster to take us to that next step?
Also, what happens if guys like Vescovi and JJJ decide to leave? I mean, they feels like a set back of losing Admiral and Grant Williams. Though, I don’t think either will leave, it’s possible from what I’ve heard. Anyway, let’s talk 2022-2023.

I didn't realize JJJ was a junior. If he's back, that's a good foundation. ZZ will be emotional leader, but I see a good solid 9-10 player rotation there. Think Aidoo and BHH will add muscle...going to be hard to keep them off the court. With these guys we can still go small...ZZ, Vescovi, BJ, JJJ, Oliver...and we can go big...Plavsic, BHH, Aidoo, JJJ, Vescovi, ZZ. BHH and Aidoo need to put on some muscle and if they take on Plavsic mentality, we'll be nasty down low.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I’ll be surprised if JJJ returns. He probably doesn’t play any better than he has the second half of 2021-22 and he’s been injured fairly often. He’s in as good of physical shape as he could ever expect to be while heading into NBA evaluations. He knows that losing KC means that TN will struggle to be as successful in 2022-23. TN could be very good in 2023-24, but I don’t see SV or JJJ sticking around that long.

 

[hUTch2002]

I know it’s likely FAR too early to look ahead. The sting from that loss may hurt worse than the Loyola Chicago loss. But we have to look ahead to another season. IMO! Our roster won’t change a whole lot as I don’t see many guys transferring. I think the name that has floated the most is Victor Bailey Jr. and as much as I’d hate to see him go, I think it would be in his best interest. Then you have Kennedy Chandler, who is gone to the draft no question. Fulkerson (love the kid and hope he goes the GA route) is gone as well. So IF Bailey leaves that would leave us two spots to fill after BJ Edwards takes KC spot. That leaves:
PG: Zakai
SG: Vescovi
SF: Josiah James
PF: Olivier
C: Plavsic

I think this is likely your starting 5 unless Barnes sees incredible improvements from Aidoo and BHH.

Bench:
BHH
Aidoo
Powell
Mashack
Q
BJ Edwards
?
?

My main question is what would everybody like to see us add to that roster to take us to that next step?
Also, what happens if guys like Vescovi and JJJ decide to leave? I mean, they feels like a set back of losing Admiral and Grant Williams. Though, I don’t think either will leave, it’s possible from what I’ve heard. Anyway, let’s talk 2022-2023.

If BHH isn’t in the starting lineup then I think we will take a step back. If he has progressed enough to be a starter then maybe we can have a similar year or better next year. He has to be a part of it though. He has way more upside than any post player we have by a wide margin.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

I’ll be surprised if JJJ returns. He probably doesn’t play any better than he has the second half of 2021-22 and he’s been injured fairly often. He’s in as good of physical shape as he could ever expect to be while heading into NBA evaluations. He knows that losing KC means that TN will struggle to be as successful in 2022-23. TN could be very good in 2023-24, but I don’t see SV or JJJ sticking around that long.

Losing JJJ, KC, and SV.... That would suck a lot.

 

[Volfan1000]

I do not think Powell returns along with the departures of Bailey, Chandler and Fulkerson.

I see the others returning along woth the addition of Edwards.

I have no idea how many scholarships Barnes and his staff have with this scenario.

We need to add a dominant type big guy that can give you 15 points and 8 rebounds on a nightly basis next season.

 

[keenobserver]

Pivotal that our young posts (Hatfield, Aidoo, and Tamba) continue to develop. I believe we need to add one guard transfer that's capable of producing relatively big numbers offensively. With the season we just had, I would imagine we would be an attractive destination.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

I do not think Powell returns along with the departures of Bailey, Chandler and Fulkerson.

I see the others returning along woth the addition of Edwards.

I have no idea how many scholarships Barnes and his staff have with this scenario.

We need to add a dominant type big guy that can give you 15 points and 8 rebounds on a nightly basis next season.

If my math is correct 2.
Lose 4
Add 2
2 open spots.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Losing JJJ, KC, and SV.... That would suck a lot.

Just getting into the NCAAT could be the ceiling. Unless there was a home run or two pulled out of the portal.

PG: ZZZ, Edwards, JP
SG: Powell or Edwards or QD or JM
SF: Mashack, Deboundje
PF: ORN, BHH, Aidoo
C: UP, BHH, Aidoo, Tamba

I’m not optimistic. There might be some talent, but not enough experience. Edwards might be the wild card.

Edit: I forgot about Bailey. His defense and scoring could make a difference and he could push Edwards hard in practice. Like a lot of players, it will likely be the domino effect as players stay or go. Losing SV and JJJ creates opportunities for Bailey and Powell.

 

[JMSqb11]

I know it’s likely FAR too early to look ahead. The sting from that loss may hurt worse than the Loyola Chicago loss. But we have to look ahead to another season. IMO! Our roster won’t change a whole lot as I don’t see many guys transferring. I think the name that has floated the most is Victor Bailey Jr. and as much as I’d hate to see him go, I think it would be in his best interest. Then you have Kennedy Chandler, who is gone to the draft no question. Fulkerson (love the kid and hope he goes the GA route) is gone as well. So IF Bailey leaves that would leave us two spots to fill after BJ Edwards takes KC spot. That leaves:
PG: Zakai
SG: Vescovi
SF: Josiah James
PF: Olivier
C: Plavsic

I think this is likely your starting 5 unless Barnes sees incredible improvements from Aidoo and BHH.

Bench:
BHH
Aidoo
Powell
Mashack
Q
BJ Edwards
?
?

My main question is what would everybody like to see us add to that roster to take us to that next step?
Also, what happens if guys like Vescovi and JJJ decide to leave? I mean, they feels like a set back of losing Admiral and Grant Williams. Though, I don’t think either will leave, it’s possible from what I’ve heard. Anyway, let’s talk 2022-2023.

I think the 4 spot will be BHH's to lose. Olivier will have to rehab in same sense that BHH is going to be in weight room. Regardless, our 4 spot rotation of Olivier and BHH is going to be nice.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

If my math is correct 2.
Lose 4
Add 2
2 open spots.

Fulk is #14. We go back to 13 spots next year.

Edwards has the Chandler spot.

The rest are one for one. Bailey, Powell and anybody else departing creates a spot on the roster.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

Just getting into the NCAAT could be the ceiling. Unless there was a home run or two pulled out of the portal.

PG: ZZZ, Edwards, JP
SG: Powell or Edwards or QD or JM
SF: Mashack, Deboundje
PF: ORN, BHH, Aidoo
C: UP, BHH, Aidoo, Tamba

I’m not optimistic. There might be some talent, but not enough experience. Edwards might be the wild card.

Im not going to argue that a bit. I think those who are talking next years team might be better are setting themselves up for disappointment. Next years team needs too many guys to take huge leaps to get where we want to go. Even if JJJ and SV come back I think it could be tough. I dont think some people realize just how special Chandler was. You say BJ is the wild card, but I think the portal could be depending on if Barnes wants to go against the grain and run people off or not.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

Fulk is #14. We go back to 13 spots next year.

Edwards has the Chandler spot.

The rest are one for one. Bailey, Powell and anybody else departing creates a spot on the roster.

My bad, I knew Fulk didnt count, I just counted on of the others twice.

 

[vols 30]

I love ZZ coming off the bench giving us a spark. I don't know how ready Edwards will be though

 

[EZE]

I’d really like to see us add a pure-shooting #2 guard. You really need consistent three-point shooting in today’s game.

And a glass eater with great put-back capability at either forward position or center.

Add these to what we already have coming back…and I’d like our chances.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

I love ZZ coming off the bench giving us a spark. I don't know how ready Edwards will be though

Yup. I want to add a PG with experience that can come in and start. And a 5 with experience that can come in and start.
Perfect World
PG: Transfer, ZZ, BJ
SG: Vescovi, ZZ
SF: JJ, Phillips, JM
PF: BHH, JJJ,
C: Transfer, Aidoo, Uros, Tamba

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Im not going to argue that a bit. I think those who are talking next years team might be better are setting themselves up for disappointment. Next years team needs too many guys to take huge leaps to get where we want to go. Even if JJJ and SV come back I think it could be tough. I dont think some people realize just how special Chandler was. You say BJ is the wild card, but I think the portal could be depending on if Barnes wants to go against the grain and run people off or not.

TN probably needs to be an inside out team (which makes sense as the strength in the roster will be the posts). Powell might actually thrive in that environment. Opponents won’t be as focused on guarding the perimeter first while not worrying about an inside threat. A single rim protector wouldn’t be able to stop BHH and JA if they can mature in the off season.

ORN as a 3 would be an interesting approach. He can make the stand still three. He needs to be able to drive to the basket. The coaches are high on Mashack and Deboundje. If those two can score then maybe it won’t be all doom and gloom.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

TN probably needs to be an inside out team (which makes sense as the strength in the roster will be the posts). Powell might actually thrive in that environment. Opponents won’t be as focused on guarding the perimeter first while not worrying about an inside threat. A single rim protector wouldn’t be able to stop BHH and JA if they can mature in the off season.

ORN as a 3 would be an interesting approach. He can make the stand still three. He needs to be able to drive to the basket. The coaches are high on Mashack and Deboundje. If those two can score then maybe it won’t be all doom and gloom.

Q and JM are wild cards. Basillio was talking about JM last night he also said the coaches love him, he also said JM had that attitude in him too. Said Dickinson from Michigan was chirping all game and JM would chirp back at him, and after the stop right before half kinda got in his face. Said fans will love him.
Back on topic though: Those two are part of the ones who need to take a step forward, but after not playing much this year im not going to expect too much from them.

 

[ETNCvol]

I’m not worried, Barnes probably has several guys ready to come here as transfers, he probably also has eyes on overseas prospects. He seems like he is very good at finding good athletic prospects. If he can develop a little offensive game for Uros, he could be very good. He certainly has effort and spunk.