Tennessee basketball was back in Pratt Pavilion on Monday afternoon for a summer practice open to the media. While practices have been open for media viewing before this, it was my first time getting a look at this new squad. For Ryan Schumpert’s most recent observations, click here.
One of the first things that stood out to me wasn’t a player. Instead, it was new assistant coach Earl Grant. He joins the staff this year to replace the departing Justin Gainey and isn’t shy at all. He’s a loud voice throughout practices as he’s consistently involved in teaching the new roster.
As far as on the court production, I thought Dai Dai Ames had the most impressive day. Starting in one-on-one work against Terrence Hill Jr., his midrange pull-up was unguardable. There wasn’t much that Hill’s contests did to throw Ames’ shot off, as he consistently buried shots from 10-15 feet out. In scrimmage work, he continued to impress on the offensive end, particularly when getting to the rim despite being a guard on the smaller side at 6-foot-2.
For Terrence Hill Jr., he looks in control as the team’s primary ball-handler. There are other options to run the point to take some pressure off of him at times, but he showed off a tight handle and great passing instincts. I also love his steady jumpshot that he seemingly can consistently knock down. Defensively, there’s room for him to grow, but overall, he looked as advertised.
More From RTI: Everything Tennessee Basketball Assistant Coach Gregg Polinsky Said During Summer Practice
What jumped out about the top returner, DeWayne Brown II, is a comment that assistant coach Gregg Polinsky made in his presser before practice. Polinsky said that Brown can make the NBA not as a guy with freakish vertical ability, but someone that dominantes on the ground. Watching him work offensively in the post, that’s what he did. It wasn’t incredible upward bursts to get shots over guys, but using his big frame to get to his spot, then kissing home shots off the glass from sometimes just getting on his tiptoes. Brown and returning guard Troy Henderson also look older and more filled out after a year in the program.
The biggest projected star, Juke Harris, had an up-and-down day. There were moments when Rick Barnes was clearly frustrated with him, but that’s the coaching you sign up for at UT — especially if Barnes thinks there’s another level he can get out of you. In response, Harris showed offensive flashes of why he could be one of, if not the best, players in the SEC this year. I think the skillset is clearly there, he just needs to settle into the program.
I think a fan favorite this year could be Jalen Haralson. The Notre Dame transfer showed some classic Tennessee grit, flying in for offensive rebounds. The team won’t be as good overall on the offensive glass this year compared to last, but Haralson could do his part. He’s also got a beautiful high release on his midrange jumpshot with great touch. The question is whether he can hit from range.
As far as availability, Tyler Lundblade did not participate but was in attendance and a vocal member of the team from the sideline.
