Tennessee Vols Basketball Recruiting

[golfballs]

Wasn’t this the day the a player or two would declare or enter the portal? Programs seems very quiet as of now.

They thought UNC would lose to Duke. Once they do Love and Bacot to the VOLS! Book it!

 

[walkenvol]

There have been better classes for sure. As for this year, I think Sharpe is definitely a first round pick. Tshiebwe is at 27-31, but I can see him going higher given his rebounding.

Is Sharpe the guy that hasn’t played? If so, why is he in the discussion?

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Is Sharpe the guy that hasn’t played? If so, why is he in the discussion?

Because he’s a projected 5-8 pick.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Is Sharpe the guy that hasn’t played? If so, why is he in the discussion?

If we’re talking about the quality of Calipari’s recruiting classes, Sharpe is an example of a top five player in the country (reclassified) who will be a lottery pick in the top ten.

 

[walkenvol]

Because he’s a projected 5-8 pick.

We’re talking about the quality of the players Cal has gotten. If a guy never plays then he can’t help Kentucky win games and championships.

 

[Unconditional Surrender]

5* players by class...
2009 3
2010 4
2011 4
2012 3
2013 6
2014 4
2015 3 (last F4 appearance)
-------------
2016 5
2017 6
2018 4
2019 3
2020 2
2021 3
2022 2 (class not yet complete)

27 5* players in 7 years before the last F4 appearance, and 25 5* players in 7 years since. Pretty even.

Now, the argument can be made that not all those 5* players are created equal, and it's a valid point, but it's the best bad measurement we have to gauge year to year success in recruiting to make the point that talent isn't really the issue. And the slight discrepancy in the first 7 years and the last 7 years can be made up for with the addition of the transfer portal, where UK has made hay, as well. Olivier Sarr, Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, Kellan Grady, just to name a few. They might not have the exact same 5* pedigree, but they came in with something none of the freshman before them did; experience.

What it really boils down to is the fact that a very small number of other programs (primarily Duke) adopted Cal's philosophy of embracing the 1AD player. This diluted the talent pool a little bit and forced him to work harder to land the best players. But it didn't prevent him from landing the best players. He still got his fair share. They just haven't panned out for one reason or another.

I personally believe it's because Cal has gotten tired of the games he has to play to coax talent and effort out of these rent-a-kids, and has lost a little bit of the edge and fire he had when he came in with something to prove. Call it getting fat and sassy. I also suggested very early in the season that I could see Cal stepping down after this year, which was thought laughable by everyone on this forum, but now come the rumors of the Lakers perhaps pursuing him. I'll just continue to say, don't be surprised if UK is looking for a head coach before next season. That isn't a guarantee of anything, but an idea once thought laughable doesn't seem so far-fetched anymore.

You can look at top 10 players and I’m pretty sure they haven’t been signing as many of those

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

We’re talking about the quality of the players Cal has gotten. If a guy never plays then he can’t help Kentucky win games and championships.

I’ll assume “gotten” means recruited and signed, but you can change the topic if you want. We were discussing Calipari’s recruiting.

 

[walkenvol]

I’ll assume “gotten” means recruited and signed, but you can change the topic if you want. We were discussing Calipari’s recruiting.

I thought we were discussing why Kentucky hasn’t been going to the F4. My position is that Cal hasn’t had the same quantity of elite players recently as compared to his earlier years. Trying to include someone who never played is an irrelevant data point to my discussion.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Basilio:

KC: gone

Brandon Huntley-Hatfield:

told Rick Barnes he was 50/50 after getting counsel from some people around him. Tennessee wants to keep him and have made this clear. It looks for now that a crisis has been averted and that BHH is going to stay but don't put that in stone just yet.

Q Diboundje:

It looks like he's going to be playing elsewhere in the 2022-2023 season. Tennessee might be in a numbers crunch here. It's a bit of a surprise it's come to this but Tennessee is probably going to end up needing a spot for another position.

Justin Powell:

He's conveyed to Tennessee's coaches that he intends to return. However Tennessee's roster situation is fluid. Tennessee still believes in him as a shooter despite his bizarre season.

J Mashack:

Despite speculation online to the contrary, Mashack isn't going anywhere. He intends to be back and clearly conveyed this to the entire coaching staff. He's a perfect cultural fit plus has terrific leadership ability. He's a Rick Barnes kind of player even if his offensive game is a work in progress.

 

[Vols All Day]

Basilio:

Q Diboundje:

It looks like he's going to be playing elsewhere in the 2022-2023 season. Tennessee might be in a numbers crunch here. It's a bit of a surprise it's come to this but Tennessee is probably going to end up needing a spot for another position.

Justin Powell:

He's conveyed to Tennessee's coaches that he intends to return. However Tennessee's roster situation is fluid. Tennessee still believes in him as a shooter despite his bizarre season.

I know there is probably more going on t behind the scenes, but from a far it looks like the staff is picking Powell over QD. We didn’t get a lot of opportunities to see QD, but I thought he had a higher ceiling than Powell.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I know there is probably more going on that was is being told, but from a far it looks like the staff is picking Powell over QD. We didn’t get a lot of opportunities to see QD, but I thought he had a higher ceiling than Powell.

Q having his transfer available and being able to go play for the guy who recruited him (Schwartz) at ECU is a good situation for him.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Basilio:

KC: gone

Brandon Huntley-Hatfield:

told Rick Barnes he was 50/50 after getting counsel from some people around him. Tennessee wants to keep him and have made this clear. It looks for now that a crisis has been averted and that BHH is going to stay but don't put that in stone just yet.

Q Diboundje:

It looks like he's going to be playing elsewhere in the 2022-2023 season. Tennessee might be in a numbers crunch here. It's a bit of a surprise it's come to this but Tennessee is probably going to end up needing a spot for another position.

Justin Powell:

He's conveyed to Tennessee's coaches that he intends to return. However Tennessee's roster situation is fluid. Tennessee still believes in him as a shooter despite his bizarre season.

J Mashack:

Despite speculation online to the contrary, Mashack isn't going anywhere. He intends to be back and clearly conveyed this to the entire coaching staff. He's a perfect cultural fit plus has terrific leadership ability. He's a Rick Barnes kind of player even if his offensive game is a work in progress.

Basilio doing his typical embellishment a bit, BHH & Powell are back unless something changes, definitely not a 50/50…that’s what prompted the move for Diboundje in that this staff wants to add 2 players with Chandler leaving as well.

 

[volfaninky]

I'm not sure that's the case. Cal is still landing top classes. UK hasn't made a F4 since 2015, but has signed a top-2 class every year since then (7 classes). Landing talent isn't the issue.

Agree… thank goodness the problem is coaching

 

[cncchris33]

We’re talking about the quality of the players Cal has gotten. If a guy never plays then he can’t help Kentucky win games and championships.

Did you include Enes Kanter in your earlier calculations?

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

tonybasilio dot com

Tennessee Basketball Recruiting Update:

#1 Priority is adding a transfer point guard to take the pressure off of incoming freshman BJ Edwards and ZZ. Plus Tennessee is resolute on not having to play Vescovi at point guard.​

There are a couple of names out there that would make decent candidates but the portal activity isn't complete with more guys expected to jump soon. Tennessee is letting it be known that they're on the hunt for a veteran hand at this position. In a perfect world Tennessee would find a PG that would allow them to play with ZZ and Vescovi again. They liked having multiple guys that could both handle the ball and play off the ball.

Julian Phillips:

He's the white whale in this spring period. He has some visits left but will he take them. He's been to Tennessee and FSU. Could he still visit Auburn and or Gonzaga? It's been quiet around him but he's expected to make a decision in the next couple of weeks. Tennessee feels like they're in good shape with him but it could be deja vu as they thought they had him back in the fall.​

Nijel Pack:

First team all Big 12 point guard. He's the #1 priority of guys in the portal right now. Purdue has some early buzz as he's from Indianapolis so it makes sense that the media is making a connection. Tennessee is trying to get involved here.

Brandon Murray:

Started at LSU this year as a freshman. Barnes, Polinsky and Clark were in his home last week before the dead period. He could be a fallback if Phillips ends up elsewhere. He won't be an easy get as Auburn is involved along with Georgetown. Tennessee likes him because he's a very good defensive player who can get to the rim after averaging double figures as a freshman.​

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Basilio doing his typical embellishment a bit, BHH & Powell are back unless something changes, definitely not a 50/50…that’s what prompted the move for Diboundje in that this staff wants to add 2 players with Chandler leaving as well.

Yep. We need to check his stats once the dust settles.

Edit: actually Basilio said that BHH told CRB that he is 50/50. Basilio is saying that BHH is most likely returning.

KC and QD: definitely gone

SV, JJJ, Powell, and BHH: probably back - SV most likely of those to leave if he gets a good offer overseas.

Mashack: absolutely coming back

 

[walkenvol]

Hate to hear QD moving on.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

tonybasilio dot com

Tennessee Basketball Recruiting Update:

#1 Priority is adding a transfer point guard to take the pressure off of incoming freshman BJ Edwards and ZZ. Plus Tennessee is resolute on not having to play Vescovi at point guard.​

There are a couple of names out there that would make decent candidates but the portal activity isn't complete with more guys expected to jump soon. Tennessee is letting it be known that they're on the hunt for a veteran hand at this position. In a perfect world Tennessee would find a PG that would allow them to play with ZZ and Vescovi again. They liked having multiple guys that could both handle the ball and play off the ball.

Julian Phillips:

He's the white whale in this spring period. He has some visits left but will he take them. He's been to Tennessee and FSU. Could he still visit Auburn and or Gonzaga? It's been quiet around him but he's expected to make a decision in the next couple of weeks. Tennessee feels like they're in good shape with him but it could be deja vu as they thought they had him back in the fall.​

Nijel Pack:

First team all Big 12 point guard. He's the #1 priority of guys in the portal right now. Purdue has some early buzz as he's from Indianapolis so it makes sense that the media is making a connection. Tennessee is trying to get involved here.

Brandon Murray:

Started at LSU this year as a freshman. Barnes, Polinsky and Clark were in his home last week before the dead period. He could be a fallback if Phillips ends up elsewhere. He won't be an easy get as Auburn is involved along with Georgetown. Tennessee likes him because he's a very good defensive player who can get to the rim after averaging double figures as a freshman.​

Is Murray strictly a 2 or can he play point. We need a guard that can get to the rim more than we need a shooter. Him and Phillips would be huge gets.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

Hate to hear QD moving on.

It does suck, but looking at the bigger picture it makes sense. Too many guys ahead of him on the roster right now.

 

[cncchris33]

Is Murray strictly a 2 or can he play point. We need a guard that can get to the rim more than we need a shooter. Him and Phillips would be huge gets.

Murray is not a PG. He is a 2/3 in the mold of JJJ with better finishing ability at the rim. That isn't to say he couldn't play a minute or two there, but you wouldn't want him playing extended minutes playing PG any more than you'd want JJJ playing PG.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

Murray is not a PG. He is a 2/3 in the mold of JJJ with better finishing ability at the rim. That isn't to say he couldn't play a minute or two there, but you wouldn't want him playing extended minutes playing PG any more than you'd want JJJ playing PG.

Ugh. I was hoping for both Murray and Phillips.
Also, I know it's unconventional but if JJJ had better handles I wouldn't mind him running the point. A point forward like a Tatum is fun to watch.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Is Murray strictly a 2 or can he play point. We need a guard that can get to the rim more than we need a shooter. Him and Phillips would be huge gets.

He’s more 3 than 2, but yes he can get to the rim from the perimeter…with that said I’m not sure I see them taking both Murray & Phillips at this stage.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Ugh. I was hoping for both Murray and Phillips.
Also, I know it's unconventional but if JJJ had better handles I wouldn't mind him running the point. A point forward like a Tatum is fun to watch.

I had the thought yesterday randomly but Powell played a lot of PG at Auburn (out of necessity) and did pretty well, he looked passive off the ball for us, could we maybe try and put him back in that roll as we search for ball handlers some? My guess is that we likely won’t as we look to the portal for guard help, but was just a random thought.

 

[Dallasbowlin]

tonybasilio dot com

Tennessee Basketball Recruiting Update:

#1 Priority is adding a transfer point guard to take the pressure off of incoming freshman BJ Edwards and ZZ. Plus Tennessee is resolute on not having to play Vescovi at point guard.​

There are a couple of names out there that would make decent candidates but the portal activity isn't complete with more guys expected to jump soon. Tennessee is letting it be known that they're on the hunt for a veteran hand at this position. In a perfect world Tennessee would find a PG that would allow them to play with ZZ and Vescovi again. They liked having multiple guys that could both handle the ball and play off the ball.

Julian Phillips:

He's the white whale in this spring period. He has some visits left but will he take them. He's been to Tennessee and FSU. Could he still visit Auburn and or Gonzaga? It's been quiet around him but he's expected to make a decision in the next couple of weeks. Tennessee feels like they're in good shape with him but it could be deja vu as they thought they had him back in the fall.​

Nijel Pack:

First team all Big 12 point guard. He's the #1 priority of guys in the portal right now. Purdue has some early buzz as he's from Indianapolis so it makes sense that the media is making a connection. Tennessee is trying to get involved here.

Brandon Murray:

Started at LSU this year as a freshman. Barnes, Polinsky and Clark were in his home last week before the dead period. He could be a fallback if Phillips ends up elsewhere. He won't be an easy get as Auburn is involved along with Georgetown. Tennessee likes him because he's a very good defensive player who can get to the rim after averaging double figures as a freshman.​

Believe I’d have to disagree with Phillips being the white whale. Maybe the white whale of high school players, but there are a few transfers that I’d gladly take over him. No disrespect meant, he’s a beast, but I’d really like to get a proven commodity.

 

[Dallasbowlin]

I had the thought yesterday randomly but Powell played a lot of PG at Auburn (out of necessity) and did pretty well, he looked passive off the ball for us, could we maybe try and put him back in that roll as we search for ball handlers some? My guess is that we likely won’t as we look to the portal for guard help, but was just a random thought.

I would be fine with that. He slowed flashes of being a very good distributor. Obviously he’d have to get going offensively or you run the risk of a Ben Simmons situation.