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Fall 2014

The Daily Beacon • Basketball Preview

Moore coming along in ‘perfect system’ Dargan Southard Assistant Sports Editor (@dsouth16)

As the starting lineup was rattled off over the Thompson-Boling Arena loudspeaker, a noteworthy omission existed.

Most predicted that all four of Tennessee’s returning scholarship players would crack the opening day five in exhibition No 1.

Josh Richardson? Here.

Derek Reese? Here.

Robert Hubbs? Here.

Armani Moore? ... Armani Moore?

In an, 80-62, win over Pikeville Nov. 3, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound junior couldn’t push his way into the starting lineup. Five days later, much of the same occurred as Moore came off the bench in the Volunteers’ 77-49 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne.

The justification was simple.

“I never really feel comfortable starting a guy like Armani Moore who has missed four to five to six practices over the last couple of weeks,” head coach Donnie Tyndall said on Nov. 3. “I think at some point he will get that (starting) position back maybe sooner than later.”

Added Moore, “I had a little back spasm, but I’m getting it under control.

I feel good, and I should be working my way back up to the top.”

Consider that prophecy a reality.

After pouring in a combined 21 points and 14 rebounds in the two exhibition contests, Moore indeed crept back into the starting lineup for UT’s regular-season opener against No. 15 VCU. Despite averaging just 3.1 points per game last season, flashes of Moore’s offensive capabilities have shown through early on. Albeit against lesser competition, the junior forward chimed in with a team-high 17 points against Pikeville — his first double-digit scor-

ing performance since putting up 11 in an exhibition win over Victory University on Nov. 5, 2012.

“This is perfect system for him,” Richardson said on Nov. 3. “He’s a mismatch at power forward. Just like he showed, he can take bigger guys off the dribble anytime he wants to.”

Like Richardson, Moore has been tasked with transforming his game in 2014 — shifting from a defensive workaholic into a legitimate SEC scoring threat.

Moore’s trademark — emphatic, outof-nowhere blocks that often send the basketball bounding into the second or third row — will certainly still be around. But with nine new players on UT’s current roster, the Vols will consistently lean on one of their veterans for a slew of offensive stability.

“I think so,” Reese said when asked if Moore is ready for more offensiveheavy assignments. “He accepted the role. He needed to step up and really

be aggressive, be more aggressive than last year or the last two years.”

Although Moore’s 2014 debut in the starting lineup was a pedestrian one — he had just eight points and seven rebounds, while shooting only 29 percent (2-of-7) from the free-throw line — Tyndall is confident his junior forward will rebound sooner rather than later.

Even if it means dishing out some harsh criticism along the way.

“I don’t think many of these guys ever hear too many negative things in their life period,” Tyndall said Monday, “so when you’re honest with them and you tell them the real deal — or keep it real with them as they say — sometimes it hurts their feelings a little bit.

But the truth is the truth. I told them I’ve got to do a better job of coaching, and I believe that.

“And they’ve got to be better as players in some areas as well.”

Fall 2014

DevonBaulkman Junior Guard 6’ 5” 200 lbs.

The Daily Beacon • Basketball Preview

GalenCampbell Redshirt Senior Guard 6’ 2” 190 lbs.

WillieCarmichael III

Freshman Forward 6’ 8” 210 lbs.

IanChiless Redshirt Seniorr Guardd 6’ 1” 200 lbs..

RobertHubbs III Sophomore Guard 6’ 6” 206 lbs.

JabariMcGhee Freshman Forward 6’ 8” 210 lbs.

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ArmaniMoore Junior Jun Forward Forwa 6’ 5” 215 lbs.

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Newcomers to watch for the Vols Dargan Southard Assistant Sports Editor (@dsouth16)

Donnie Tyndall didn’t hide it.

The fresh faces are in abundance.

“We’ve got a bunch of new guys out there,” the first-year Tennessee head coach said. “When you look at our roster, we only have four returning guys that have played at this level, and even Robert (Hubbs) and Derek (Reese) to a point last year were limited.”

With that said, here’s a handful of newcomers who will either start tonight’s home-opener versus Texas Southern or are in line to make a significant impact this season.

Willie Carmichael Arguably the surprise of the group, Carmichael racked up just four minutes of playing time and zero points against the Rams, but Tyndall said that the 6-foot-8 freshman could wiggle his way into a first-team role shortly. The Vols

DetrickMostella Freshman Guard 6’ 3” 170 lbs.

have issues down low, and Carmichael could be candidate for extra minutes if fellow newcomer Dominic Woodson continues to struggle down low.

“The biggest thing was (Carmichael) was practicing harder and better than Dom Woodson on Sunday,” Tyndall said. “We had a day off Saturday, and if you can’t come out after a day off, after a tough loss and be ready to pop and go in a practice, then someone else is probably going to move in front of you.”

Jabari McGhee Despite playing just 12 minutes off the bench in Friday’s season-opening loss to No. 15 VCU, McGhee reportedly ran with the first team this week in practice, and Tyndall pegged the Albany Ga., native as a potential starter against the Tigers.

“I think the biggest thing is he got in against VCU and didn’t play scared,” Tyndall said. “He was aggressive. He was tough. He played with confidence, and he’s raw offensively and got a

TariqOwens Freshman Forward 6’ 10” 205 lbs.

KevinPunter Junior Guard 6’ 4” 180 lbs.

ways to go. But he went and tried to rebound the ball. He rotated over and took a charge. He did some winningplay type of stuff. It’s not always pretty, but he’s effort guy. And I thought he gave us good minutes.

“I probably should’ve played him a little more.”

Detrick Mostella Undoubtedly the Vols’ most explosive newcomer, Mostella has the ability to go off scoring-wise at any moment.

But it’s his inconsistency in all facets of the game that has Tyndall pumping the breaks just a tad on the freshman’s early season success. A microcosm of that was Mostella’s performance against VCU, where he tied a teamhigh with 17 points but failed to pick up any rebounds or assists.

“He can score the basketball, we get that,” Tyndall said, “but we’ve always talked about … if you’re not making shots, what else do you do to help our team win? It’s got to be rebounding the ball. It’s got to be deflections or steals.

DerekReese Junior Forward 6’ 8” 220 lbs.

It’s got to be having a positive assist to turnover ratio.

“So he’s a young guy. He played well in some areas, and he’s going to continue to get better. But the thing I love about Detrick is he came to the practice floor ready to go. He had great work. He was receptive in the film room, and because of that, he’s got nowhere to go but up.”

Kevin Punter A junior-college transfer from Missouri’s State Fair Community College, Punter, along with senior guard Josh Richardson, have been tasked with handling UT’s point guard duties.

“I can’t wait,” Punter said in regards to the showdown with Texas Southern.

“We had a couple of exhibition games, but I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be a lot different for the first home game of the season. I’m ready to win that first home game, give coach his first win, give the team its first win.

We’re excited.”

JoshRicha JoshRichardson SSenior GGuard 6’ 6” 200 lbs.

DominicWoodson Sophomore Forward 6’ 10” 280 lbs.

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Fall 2014

Five-star freedom

Hubbs sheds expectations in effort to be ‘the best he can be’ Troy Provost-Heron Sports Editor (@TPro_UTDB)

The expectations that came with the five-star label that followed Robert Hubbs III were too much to live up to.

In the first 12 games of his Tennessee career, the then-freshman Hubbs averaged five points per game and shot 30.7 percent from the field.

Not necessarily five-star status.

The shoulder injury which forced him to miss the Volunteers’ final 25 games didn’t help either.

But when Hubbs, a former Dyer County High School star who averaged 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists in his final season for the Choctaws, suffered a wrist injury during UT’s offseason camp, the last of the weight stemming from those five-star expectations

finally came crashing down.

“He had a sprained wrist and missed a practice or two,” Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall said. “He just didn’t seem like himself.

So I talked to him, I said, ‘Robert, to me, it seems like you are carrying to weight of the world on your shoulders. You can’t worry about what other people think you should be, you can’t worry about what others hope you will be or what they expect you to be. You just need to be the best Robert Hubbs you can be.’

“I told him I am not going to worry about the fans or these crazy media people and whatever they write, and you can’t worry about the fans or the crazy people back home that think you should average 38 points a night.”

Tyndall’s pep talk worked.

A couple practices later, Hubbs no longer resembled a player lost in the shadow of his high school ranking.

Sophomore guard Robert Hubbs III dribbles down the court during UT’s game against University of Pikeville. Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon “I can’t worry what anybody thinks or says about me,” Hubbs said. “After me and coach Tyndall had that talk, I could see my game rise to another level each and every day. I’m just trying to stay focused and do what I have to do to get better.”

And it didn’t take long for his teammates to realize the difference once he stepped out from that five-star darkness he had been trapped in ever since he stepped onto campus.

“He’s been a lot more aggressive,” senior guard Josh Richardson said. “He’s worked hard to get back on the court after his injuries. He should surprise a lot of people this year.”

Dressing out in orange and white this year, however, was not always a certainty.

When Cuonzo Martin left UT to fill the head coaching vacancy at the University of California,

Hubbs faced a decision as to whether he should go find another school to play for.

His best friends and fellow freshmen Darius Thompson and A.J. Davis decided to leave.

Hubbs opted to stay.

He learned a new system — offensively and defensively — and lifted the five-star weight off of his shoulders.

Now he finds himself as a main cog in Tyndall’s rotation, starting their season opener against No. 15 VCU, logging 19 minutes.

“I definitely wanted to stick around and help this program rebuild,” Hubbs said. “I just felt something special in my heart and I’m glad I stayed.”

With his head cleared and his body finally healthy, the Volunteer faithful might be happy he stayed too.

Fall 2014

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Leader of the new school Richardson accepting new role as UT’s go-to guy Dargan Southard Assistant Sports Editor (@dsouth16)

Josh Richardson knows the amount of turnover isn’t ideal.

New coach. New position. Nine new teammates.

“Just crazy,” the Tennessee senior said on Oct. 16 at UT’s basketball media day. “It’s all happened really fast.”

But as much alteration that exists among the fresh names on the roster and the new coaches on the bench, it’s Richardson’s role on this year’s team that could ultimately prove to be the largest modification.

With future NBA draft picks Jordan McRae and Jarnell Stokes headlining the offensive production at a combined 34 points per game last season, Richardson’s scoring prowess often took a back seat. As one of the SEC’s premier lockdown defenders, the Edmond, Okla. native became more accustomed with suffocating elite scorers, not going toe-to-toe with them on the offensive end.

But Stokes now dons the baby blue of the Memphis Grizzlies, McRae the black of Australia’s Melbourne United.

And it’s been primarily bestowed upon Richardson to color in the white spots.

“It’s different,” said Richardson of changing from a defensive wizard to more of an offensive threat. “I don’t let any of that get to my head though, so I just stay even-keeled about it. And just approach everyday the same.

“Coach (Donnie) Tyndall did a good job of staying in my head about that. Last couple years, everybody knows that if I missed like two shots, I just wouldn’t shoot anymore the rest of the game. So I feel like we can change that this year.”

But Richardson certainly isn’t coming in cold.

In the 2014 NCAA tournament, he averaged 19.3 points per game in contests against Iowa, Massachusetts, Mercer and Michigan. The crown jewel performance arrived in the Round of 32 as Richardson poured in a career-high 26 points in an 83-63 win over the Bears, sending UT to its first Sweet 16 since 2010.

“That was a big confidence boost, just knowing I can play at that level every night,” Richardson said. “I did it like four games straight, so just staying in attack mode I think

is the biggest part because I’m kind of a passive person.

“In the game, I would just kind of float through it at times, but just staying in attack mode at all times will help me this year.”

Early evidence suggests that Richardson will meet that sizeable offensive requirement— even if the points arrive from a still relatively unfamiliar position.

In exhibition tune-ups against Pikeville and Lenoir-Rhyne, Richardson was the Volunteers’ makeshift point guard — a role he hadn’t played regularly since high school. As the pilot of UT’s offense, he played a team-high 31 minutes in each game, pouring in a combined 29 points with only four turnovers.

Then came time to battle a much more ferocious animal.

Against No. 15 VCU in Friday’s season-opening loss, the product was much less promising.

With their defense rebranded as one of “havoc” and confusion, the Rams surrendered 17 points to Richardson but forced him into seven turnovers to go along with just three assists.

But Tyndall fully realizes VCU’s legitimacy and isn’t ready to submit a final grade on Richardson’s point guard play after just one subpar outing.

“Well it’s hard to really hard to evaluate any point guard because (VCU’s) going to press you 94 feet,” Tyndall said Monday. “They’re going to speed you up, and you never really get into your half-court offense. So Josh I thought played well but had seven turnovers. That’s what VCU does.

“I think Josh is getting better and better at that position. We don’t expect Josh to be Chris Paul tomorrow. It’s going to take time.”

Unfortunately, Richardson doesn’t have much of that remaining. Including tonight’s home opener versus Texas Southern, the 6-foot-6, 200-pound senior is guaranteed just 30 more games in his collegiate career — one that’s ending with little resemblance to how it stood just one season ago.

But Richardson isn’t worried about the team’s massive overhaul anymore.

There just isn’t enough time for that.

“I think coach Tyndall’s done a good job of putting together a good team,” Richardson said.

“From the first time they’ve stepped on campus to now, they’ve came light years. So we have a lot more potential than I expected.

“It feels a lot different, but at this point, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”

Senior Josh Richardson pushes the ball up court during the 80-62 victory game against Pikeville. Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon

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Fall 2014

‘Up for the challenge’

Tyndall tasked with rebuilding the program of his dreams Troy Provost-Heron Sports Editor (@TPro_UTDB)

As he sat on the LSU bench as the youngest assistant coach in the SEC at age 25, Donnie Tyndall dreamed of one day traversing the sidelines of SEC arenas.

The 19-year journey in pursuit of that goal required multiple coaching stints in locations ranging from Moscow, Idaho to Hattiesburg, Miss., and finally culminated with him being named Tennessee’s head coach in April.

“I’m humbled to be your coach,” said Tyndall at his intro duct o r y press conference on April 22. “I think Tennessee is a special place. The success that has been passed on from year to year, so many great coaches and I’m proud to be one of them, or at least be a head coach grouped in with those guys at this point.”

No other UT coach, however, was handed the program the way Tyndall received it.

After replacing Cuonzo Martin, who had departed to fill the head coaching vacancy at the University of California, Tyndall was left with only four scholarship players remaining on the roster.

Nine newcomers later, the Volunteers squad was finalized, but the amalgamation of freshmen, junior college and university transfers and those who had returned was a combination that those from the outside wrote off as unsuccessful from the get-go.

The preseason SEC media poll provided the proof when the Vols were selected to finish 13th out of 14 teams in the conference.

The low expectation level, though, fits right in with Tyndall’s coaching style.

“My expectations are to win every game,” Tyndall said on Oct. 20. “I want to be 31-0, and that’s the way I’ve always coached and I think that’s why the programs I’ve been in charge of have probably overachieved every single year.

“With that being said, realistically, we are one of the least experienced teams in America and we are picked toward the bottom of the league for a reason, but I never want to put a ceiling on any team. We are trying to get better every day and be competitive every night we play.”

That philosophy has paid off for Tyndall in the past.

In his two previous coaching stints at Morehead State and Southern Miss, he went a combined 170-101 in the past eight seasons, including two NCAA tournament bids and two NIT quarterfinal appearances.

But his current situation is very similar to the one he faced when he arrived at Morehead State in 2006.

The program needs a reboot, and in his first year at the helm, Tyndall is poised to lead the charge.

“I’m a guy that is up for the challenge,” Tyndall said. “Everywhere I’ve been, we’ve been underdogs or overlooked in some way, shape or form. I’ll embrace that. The biggest thing is, I hope our players embrace that.”

Even if they do, they will have their fair share of bumps along the way.

Rebuilding the program will take its time, but Tyndall, who describes himself as being “as impatient as anyone,” knows it will be worth it in the end.

The wait to become Tennessee’s head coach certainly was.

“We are going to face a lot of adversity this season,” Tyndall said, “and I’ve certainly faced a lot of that when I was driving vans at junior colleges and sleeping in gas stations and rest areas recruiting at Morehead State, so there won’t be too much that will faze me.

“There will be good times and bad and as we grow, and this program will certainly have more good times than bad.”

Fall 2014

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Expecting greatness Lady Vols look to regain success after falling short of program standards in past years Patrick MacCoon Staff Writer (@PatrickMacCoon)

Year in and year out, the Lady Vols basketball team has expectations second-to-none.

For a program that is one of the most successful in all of sports — having won eight national championships, s, appeared in 18 Final Four’s, and won 17 rnament championships — there is pressure SEC tournament every season ason to exceed and continue to reach those goals.

Thingss will stay the same this year for the fourthranked team eam in the country.

After bringing back home seven of the past 10 conference ce titles, Tennessee has seen the field of play tighten the he past three seasons in which they have 9 in SEC play. From 1997-2008, the program gone 39-9 had a total al of eight conference losses.

“I think nk they understand the challenge of the ird-year head coach SEC,” third-year Holly Warlick said.

“Whether er we’re ranked No. 1, whereverr we’re it’s ranked, difficult for us always because we are representing our past just as much as we are our present. That’s OK. We sell a lot of ourr tradition. We’re proud of it. But it can be difficult.””

After having just one senior last year, three players return forr their final go-around and will look to make the Final Four, which happens to be held in the same city the program won its last national championship in 2008: Tampa, Fla. “I thinkk this year is the year,” senior point guard ssengale said. “The Final Four is in Tampa, Ariel Massengale which is the last place Pat Summitt won her eighth nship. Hopefully that is going to help us out championship. an use that as motivation to get there.” and we can ngale along with forward Cierra Burdick and Massengale abelle Harrison will look to lead a team that center Isabelle ed 188 points through its first two games to has scored start the season, which is the second most in protory. gram history. ittersweet taste of their Sweet 16 loss to The bittersweet d last season continues to motivate them to Maryland

push even harder in an effort to return to the stage the program is accustomed to reaching.

“There’s definitely motivation for us,” Massengale said. “The Sweet 16 is definitely not acceptable.

It’s been the Elite Eight the past three years before that. It’s time for us to get over that hump. I think that we’ve realized that and our coaches have done a great job of preparing us and getting us ready for the season.”

Tennessee will see its fair share of non-conference tests with meetings against No. 10 Texas (Nov. 30), No. 22 Rutgers (Dec. 14), No. 6 Stanford (Dec. 20) and No. 20 Oregon State (Dec. 28).

After being tested for all its worth in the SEC Tournament last season, the Lady Vols will open their conference portion of the season on Jan. 2 against Missouri.

Currently, there are three other conference teams ranked in the top-25 following a season in which four SEC teams reached the Sweet 16.

“I think the SEC will be even tougher,” redshirt sophomore point guard Andraya Carter said. “South Carolina has a

great squad returning and they had a good recruiting class. Texas A&M really didn’t lose anybody and they’ve got girls whose mid-range jumpers are deadly. Kentucky always plays hard too along with all these other teams in the SEC that can take you by surprise if you aren’t ready. I think the SEC is the best conference.”

The pressure to obtain the program’s ninth national championship has once again been ratcheted up a notch.

But that’s the way they like it at Tennessee.

“The best thing about playing for Tennessee is the exposure,” Massengale said. “It doesn’t matter where you go in the country or in the world and when you say the University of Tennessee they automatically think Pat Summitt and women’s basketball. Just to say you’ve played for that program it is very special. It’s one big family here. There are not too many programs where you can go and have this type of atmosphere.”

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Fall 2014

Harrison, Graves make up dynamic post duo for Lady Vols Staff Writer (@T_Dub98)

Last season, Isabelle Harrison and Bashaara Graves made up one of the best post duos in the country, but this year the two forwards are hoping to take their success to the next level.

Both Graves and Harrison were named to the preseason All-SEC first team by the coaches around the league, and that duo is going to play a big part if the Lady Volunteerss are going to be successful this year.

One aspect that has made the two players so dangerous for opposing teams is their chemistry down low in

the post, which is something the two take a lot of pride in as they helped lead the Lady Vols to the SEC To u r n a m e n t Championship last year. “ H o n e s t l y, I think it just • Isabelle Harrison comes from encouraging one another,” Harrison said. “She’ll mess up or I’ll mess up, and we’ll just be like ‘you’re fine, just get the next play,’ and I think that works really well for us.”

Harrison averaged just over 13 points and nine rebounds per game last season, and was named an All-SEC performer, as well as the MVP of last year’s SEC tournament.

• Bashaara Graves The Nashville, Tenn., native recorded 18 double-doubles last year, and her great work ethic and toughness make her a great teammate to play with down low, according to Graves.

“It’s great playing with Izzy,” Graves said. “I know that she is going to work in the post, and when we both have the ball we know we want to get it to each other. I think it’s great to have a post duo just like we have.”

While Graves’ numbers took a step back last year, the Clarksville, Tenn., product was still able to average just over nine points and six rebounds per game while battling through the difficulties of playing in the post in the SEC. Graves is known as a physical player, and playing in a conference as physical as the SEC is something she looks forward to every game.

“I definitely enjoy physicality,” Graves said. “That’s part of my game is the physicality, and I love it. Just being in the SEC you know every game is going to be tough just because of how physical they are.”

That physicality is just part of her game, though, as she helps this Tennessee team in a variety of ways, many of which go unnoticed by most people.

“Bashaara is so versatile,” Harrison said. “Most people don’t see that. She’s a good passer, she’s a good shooter and she’s a good ball handler as well.

I would rather have Bashaara take the

“

T hat’s part of my game

is the physicality, and I love it. Just being in the SEC you know every game is going to be tough just because of how physical they are.

“

Taylor White

-Bashaara Graves

ball up the court sometimes off the rebound, but I love playing with her. We get each other.”

When the two are on the floor at the same time it helps Tennessee get into the flow of their offense, as the two players are able to feed off of each other in the post.

One aspect that is underrated in both of their games is their ability to pass the ball. Both players consistently draw double teams from opposing teams, and their ability to pass out of the double team is crucial to Tennessee’s success.

“Coach Dean (Lockwood) works with passing a lot during practice,” Harrison said. “We do a lot of cutting and passing, because we know that we’re probably going to be double teamed, and we have to be able pass out of that.”

Fall 2014

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Russell gaining Lady Vols moving forward with quartet appreciation for game during her recovery of point guards Patrick MacCoon Staff Writer (@PatrickMacCoon)

Instead of relying on just one point guard to run the floor this season, Holly Warlick’s team has four individuals that they believe can manage the offense and contribute on the defensive end as well.

Starting minutes is not something that Ariel Massengale, Andraya Carter, Jordan Reynolds and Alexa Middleton are worried about. Instead, the Lady Vols plethora of guards are excited about what they can do together out on the court this season.

“Some players might not handle it well if they don’t play a lot, but that’s not how it is here,” Carter said. “We are all very unselfish I think. If someone else is getting the job done that night and they get more minutes than me that’s okay because we get the win. We are all willing to see what group is working well that night and go with it to get the win.”

For the first time this season, No. 4 Tennessee had a look at their four guards out on the court Monday night, and they did not disappoint.

Not only did they all log 20 minutes of game action, but combined for 40 points, 15 steals, and 15 of the team’s 22 assists in a 91-39 victory over Oral Roberts.

“There’s so many different looks that we can throw at different teams with the depth that we have,” Massengale said.

“We can play so many throughout a 40 minute game where no one should ever get tired because you don’t have to think I have to play 25-28 minutes a game.”

While all four players have a natural ability at the point guard position, they will be used on the court together this season when the team looks for bursts of energy.

“During one possession we had myself, Alexa, Draya, Ariel, and a post,” Reynolds said. “It was a very up-tempo game. We got a lot of steals out of those five people that were in. I think our guard play is good enough to adjust to anybody that we play against.”

Some of the characteristics that comprise a great point guard are: courtvision, ball-handling, leadership, determination, defense, and scoring ability.

“Draya is the athletic one of the three of us,” Massengale said. “She will go diving across court and come up with a loose ball. Jordan is the crafty one. She makes shots that I have no idea how go in the basket. I see myself as being the more systematic type and to keep it to the basics and get the team into the offense.”

Carter and Reynolds have been defensive stalwarts with a combined 16 steals through two games in the 2014-15 season. Massengale led her team in scoring (21) in her first game back since Jan. 23 when she suffered a severe concussion.

Middleton has impressed her teammates with her scoring knack after she scored 21 points in her debut and put forth 11 assists as well.

“Alexa has been so consistent,” Reynolds said. “She’s been a great part of this team so far. She took advantage of her time on the court. We are all still teaching and leaning on one another.”

This season the guard play for the Lady Vols will look to be a driving factor, as the team tries to get back to a Final Four for the first time since 2008.

“We have different types of point guards, but it’s good because they all have different personalities,” assistant coach and former point guard Jolette Law said. “They all have one common goal, and that’s to lead this team to a national championship.”

After a promising freshman campaign, Holly Warlick announced in August that Mercedes Russell will redshirt the 20142015 basketball season as she recovers from offseason surgery on both feet.

The former No. 1 prospect and crown jewel of the Lady Vols’ 2013 signing class, averaged just over six points and five rebounds per game in her rookie season. Russell also led Tennessee in blocks (40) and field goal percentage (59.6) last season, despite playing through injuries in both legs.

“I think Mercedes has not even tapped what she can do,” Warlick said. “She came in with two pretty bad wheels, and we didn’t realize it until the season started. Mercedes never once complained

about her feet, but it was obvious they were affecting her.”

While it’s possible that Russell could have returned in time to play this season, Warlick said she did not want to take half a season of eligibility away from the Springfield, Ore. native, opting instead to hold her out for the entire season.

“I don’t think she’s had the opportunity to refine her skills or refine her game, because she hasn’t done a lot of individual work,” Warlick said. “My thinking was to sit her out, and she’ll have January on to do individual work, and you will see a young lady who will have three years of college basketball. I just didn’t want to sell her short in her college career.”

See RUSSELL on Page 11

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CierraBurdick Senior Forward 6’ 2”

AndrayaCarter Sop Redshirt Soph.

Guar Guard 5’ 9” 9

Fall 2014

KortneyDunbar Freshman GGuard/Forward uard/For 6’ 2”

BashaaraGraves Junior Forward 6’ 2”

IsabelleHarrison Senior CCenter 6’ 3”

JasmineJones Junior Forwa Forward 6’ 2”

11 14 13 12 20 2 Highly-touted freshmen ready to contribute for Lady Vols Taylor White Staff Writer (@T_Dub98) After losing only one member of last year’s SEC tournament championship team, Holly Warlick signed three highly touted players who look to have an immediate impact on this year’s Lady Vols’ basketball team.

Jaime Nared, Alexa Middleton, and Kourtney Dunbar make up Tennessee’s 2014 signing class, which was ranked by ESPN as the sixth-best class in the country, and second in the SEC. “The freshmen are fitting in really well,” Warlick said at Lady Vols’ media day. “They need to work on some things, but I think it’s a really fun group to be around, and I think it’s gonna be a fun to group to watch.”

Nared came to Tennessee as the No. 6 ranked player in the 2014 class, and was selected as a McDonald’s All-American her senior year. The native of Portland, Ore. averaged just over 28 points and 14 rebounds per game in her senior season.

Moving across the country to go to school would be tough

ArielMassengale Se Senior Point Guard Gu 5’ 7”

AlexaMiddleton Freshman Guard 5’ 9”

for most players, but Nared has a Tennessee connection. Nared is the third player on the Lady Vols’ roster from Oregon, joining former teammates Mercedes Russell and Jordan Reynolds.

“I’ve played with Jordan since the third grade, and Mercedes since my sophomore year,” Nared said. “So they’ve both been very helpful as far the adjustment to being so far away from home, and missing family. I know I can talk to them about anything.”

Nared brings an all-around game to Tennessee according to Warlick. She’s somebody who can shoot the three, but can also put the ball on the floor and get to the basket when she needs to.

Middleton is the lone Tennessee native in the signing class, hailing from Murfreesboro. She was ranked the No. 28 player in the country, joining Nared as a McDonald’s All-American during her senior season.

She comes from one of the most dominant programs in the country, playing for coach Cory Barrett at Riverdale High School, where she averaged just over 17 points per game as a senior. Playing at such a high level in high school has helped prepare Middleton for the high level of play she will face at UT.

NiaMoore Ju unior Junior Center 6’ 3”

Ja JaimeNared Freshman Guard/Forward Guar 6’ 2”

“I really think it’s helped a lot,” Middleton said. “Coach Barrett did a great job of making sure we played the best teams on the biggest stages, and I really think that has helped prepare for playing on such a big level like this.”

Middleton made a name for herself early on, winning the 3-point contest at Tennessee’s Big Orange Madness, and giving the fans a preview of what’s to come.

“It wss a fun night,” Middleton said. “We were just trying to make it fun for the fans, and I love to compete so I wanted to hit all the shots. It was just a fun night.”

Dunbar comes to Tennessee with a reputation as a spot-up 3-point shooter. The Edwardsvill, Ill. product averaged over 16 points per game as a senior, while hitting 57 threes.

That knack for hitting deep threes is something Dunbar has always had, and the Tennessee coaching staff is hoping that will translate to the college game.

“Ever since middle school I’ve pretty much been able to knock it down from anywhere,” Dunbar said. “Once I started getting recruited by schools as a three point shooter I just got in the gym even more.”

JordanReynolds Sophomore Soph Guard 5’ 11”

JannahTuck JannahTucker Redshhirt Freshman Freshm Redshirt Gua Guard 6’ 0”

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Fall 2014

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11

Lady Vol seniors attempting to fill void left behind by Simmons’ departure Taylor White Staff Writer (@T_Dub98)

The Lady Volunteers lost only one player off of last year’s Sweet 16 team, but she was the heart and soul of that Tennessee squad and replacing her will be no easy task.

Meighan Simmons led the Lady Vols with 16.5 points per game last year, but she was more than just a scorer. She was a leader for that Tennessee team, and with her departure, her former teammates will have step into that leadership role this season.

With Simmons graduating, the bulk of that leadership role now falls on the three Tennessee seniors, Ariel Massengale, Isabelle Harrison and Cierra Burdick.

“Anytime you lose a player of Meighan’s caliber, you have a huge hole to fill,” Burdick said. “But we have to focus on right now with the 14 girls we’ve got. I

RUSSELL continued from Page 9

While Russell hasn’t been able to practice with her team, she is using this opportunity to learn as much as she can about the game. While she can’t be out there with her teammates, she can let them know what she sees from the bench, and provide a different perspective for her team.

Missing a full season is never easy, but Russell is doing her best to look on the positive side of things. She has been able to gain a new appreciation for the game, after being forced to watch her teammates practice from the sideline.

“There’s people out there who have injuries that prevent them from playing any kind of sports,” Russell said. “I think I’ve really grown to appreciate it more and more every day. I’ll definitely come back hungry next year. I’m always

think we have done a great job of leading and getting prepared, and I think this year will be a great year.”

For Harrison, the new role has been a fun experience, and a chance to expand her role on the team while discovering more about herself.

“It’s been fun,” Harrison said. “You get to see the person that you are, and who you have become. You get to see your growth as well, being a player, seeing how well people listen to you and how effective your voice is.”

Harrison’s ability to lead has impressed head coach Holly Warlick, who has seen great improvement in the Nashville, Tenn. product over her four years at Tennessee.

“I think it’s confidence,” Warlick said.

“I think Izzy is very confident now in her game. She understands we need her to play and to put up points and I don’t think she’s shying away from that. I think she’s really confident in helping to lead this team.”

hungry.”

Russell was expected to play a big role in Tennessee’s post rotation this season, and with her absence other players will have to step up to fill that void.

One option is junior Nia Moore.

Moore hasn’t seen the floor much in her time at Tennessee, but has taken advantage of early opportunities, scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds in just her second career start.

Another option for the Lady Vols would be to move senior guard Cierra Burdick to the post, a spot where she has spent some time in the past, and play more four guard lineups then they originally expected.

“I’ve actually been getting more four reps than I have three reps,” Burdick said. “It won’t be a surprise. Since I’ve been here I’ve played the three and the four. I’m just trying to get the reps and get the practice so I’ll be prepared come game time.”

While it is critical to replace Simmons’ leadership abilities, it is just as important for the Lady Vols to replace her scoring this season.

Simmons finished with 2,064 career points, making her just the fifth player in a much storied program to reach the 2,000point mark in her career. Replacing that kind of scoring threat will be no easy task, and Tennessee will have to take a score by committee approach this year.

Tennessee’s three freshmen should help the situation, as Warlick was able to sign the No. 6 recruiting class in the country.

The roles of players like Burdick will also increase from a scoring standpoint.

Burdick spent much of the offseason working on her shot in preparation for taking on some of the scoring load for her team this year.

“I want to extend my shot,” Burdick

said. “I definitely want to be more consistent from behind the arc, so I put a lot of time into that, taking a lot of reps, and getting a lot of shots up. Then I worked on my face up game at that four position.

I just want to be able to score in different ways.”

Burdick has already been showing some of that leadership so far this year, making sure everybody stays focused, and doesn’t get too far ahead of themselves. She uses her three years of experience to help guide her new teammates.

“Live in the present,” Burdick said. “You have to focus on the right now. You can’t get to forward looking at the future, and you can’t worry about the past. You have to focus on right now, live in the present moment and give the right now everything you’ve got.”