As people around the world open presents and celebrate Christmas today, Tennessee basketball is enjoying a few days off before everyone returns to campus and gets back to work ahead of the South Carolina State game on Dec. 30.
We’re at somewhat of a crossroads in the season with Tennessee opening up SEC play on Jan. 3. With one more non conference game remaining, Tennessee is currently 9-3 with a pair of marquee wins.
Here’s three things on Tennessee basketball’s Christmas wish list.
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An Efficiency Jump In Nate Ament And Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Perimeter Shooting
Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament are the lead offensive players on this year’s team and both have high usage rates. Ament has had his ups and downs while adjusting to college basketball while Gillespie has mostly played really well.
But there’s one simple area where they could be better and really boost Tennessee’s offense— perimeter shooting. Gillespie shot 39% and 40% from three-point range the last two seasons. He’s shooting 35% from deep right now.
Ament projected as a 35-37% three-point shooter in his freshman year. He’s shooting 30% from beyond the arc right now.
It feels like Tennessee is due for some positive regression to the mean there. It would be a big boost for its offense in SEC play.
JP Estrella To Find His Footing Defensively
Redshirt sophomore big man JP Estrella started the season on fire but has cooled down as he’s dealt with some nagging injuries. He’s playing just 13.4 minutes per game right now and there’s two major reasons for that. One, he’s been banged up and at times on a minutes restriction. Two, he’s struggled defensively while on the court.
Anyone who knows anything about Rick Barnes knows that he holds his players to a high defensive standard. Estrella needs to be better on the defensive end of the court. The Vols need more defense there because of Cade Phillips’ season-ending shoulder injury. But they also need improved defense from Estrella so he can stay on the court and be a consistent offensive threat.
Tennessee assistant coaches have expressed optimism that Estrella will find his footing defensively as he’s out there more. That would be a nice gift to begin the new year.
An Offensive Presence From The Two Guard Spot
We’ve known that Tennessee’s production at the shooting guard spot was always going to be a question this season. Through 12 games, there’s been some stuff to like. Bishop Boswell has been great defensively and more capable offensively than expected.
Amaree Abram (37%) and Ethan Burg (47%) have shot the ball well from the perimeter. But the sample size has all been small. That trio, plus Amari Evans and Troy Henderson, is combining to give Tennessee 16 points per game.
It’s not a terrible mark but is a bit inflated by poor competition at times. Tennessee keeping it steady there or even flirting with around 20 points per game in SEC play would be a big win.
