Vol Basketball Fever

Who Starts for the Vols?

Figuring out the Vols' starting five and their main rotation is going to be a tough job for Rick Barnes and his staff. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss that and more in a mailbag episode of the show! Where does Tennessee stack up with returning production against the rest of the SEC? What do we know about UT's new Director of Recruiting? And is the Vols' SEC schedule actually favorable this year?
(2:12) - Do the Vols actually have a favorable slate of SEC games?(16:26) - Beginning of listener questions(17:13) - What will UT's rotation look like this season?(27:16) - What does the future of the Vols' program look like after this year?(49:43) - How does UT's returning production compare to other SEC teams?(1:02:53) - Discussing the Vols' new Director of Recruiting

Kennedy Chandler’s Fall in the NBA Draft

Many expected Vol point guard Kennedy Chandler to go in the 1st round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Instead, Chandler dropped into the 2nd round and was taken with the No. 38 overall pick. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss why Chandler fell out of the 1st round but why his fit with the Memphis Grizzlies is ultimately more important than where he got drafted. Plus, could the Vols have a NBA Draft lottery pick in next year's draft? One prominent draft analyst thinks so.
(2:00) - Why Kennedy Chandler dropped out of the 1st round(12:34) - Should Chandler have come back to UT for a 2nd season?(27:04) - Height does matter in the NBA Draft (and in the NBA)(31:44) - Is this is the most invested Vol fans have ever been in the NBA?(33:34) - An analyst thinks the Vols could have a lottery pick next year(44:25) - Why college production doesn't matter a ton to NBA scouts(54:51) - Brief discussion on expectations for Julian Phillips

A Good Problem to Have

We're back! Sorry for the break, but we're back with another Lady Vol episode of the show! Nathanael Rutherford is joined by Maria Cornelius of GoVols247 to discuss all of the post options the Lady Vols have now thanks to their additions in the transfer portal. Plus, 5-star Justin Pissott is reminding people why she shouldn't be counted out as a possible notable contributor for the upcoming season, some unfortunate injury news for a Lady Vol, and Maria shares a story about Pat Summitt in honor of the legendary Lady Vol coach's birthday this week.
Tickets for the on-campus screening of CATCH98: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/espn-sec-storied-premiere-tickets-358772607527
Maria's interview with Kellie Harper: https://247sports.com/college/tennessee/LongFormArticle/One-on-one-with-Lady-Vols-Coach-Kellie-Harper-188693584/
(2:14) - An offseason injury(5:21) - The importance of UT's two last additions - Jasmine Franklin and Jillian Hollingshead(28:35) - Two returning players who could be X-factors(37:28) - Justine Pissott is reminding people how good she is(46:09) - Maria shares a story about Pat Summitt(53:53) - Don't miss the CATCH98 on-campus screening

Looking for One Last Piece

The Vols added 4-star wing DJ Jefferson as part of their 2022 class, and that leaves them with just one more open spot for the upcoming season. With Iowa State transfer point guard Tyrese Hunter choosing Texas, can the Vols find another guard to round out the roster? Or do they even need to? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the addition of Jefferson to the roster, why Zakai Zeigler could be ready to start at PG, what to expect from Josiah-Jordan James this season, and more!
(2:02) - What DJ Jefferson brings to the Vols' roster(11:18) - Do the Vols really need to get a veteran transfer PG?(27:11) - Will Josiah-Jordan James continue to put up points this season?(47:16) - The impact of Grant Williams in the NBA Finals(58:43) - Tennessee steals away an Alabama legacy

What to Expect from New Vol Signee DJ Jefferson

The Vols remained hot on the recruiting trail in the 2022 class when four-star wing DJ Jefferson announced his commitment and subsequent signing with Tennessee late last week. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Jefferson's high school head coach, Lucas Patterson of Minnesota Prep Academy, to discuss what Vol fans should expect from the athletic guard when he arrives in Knoxville.
Why did Jefferson take so long to get noticed by high major programs? What is his ceiling? Is he going to surprise fans in his first year on campus?

Discussing Julian Phillips w/ Link Academy Head Coach Rodney Perry

Tennessee has made it a habit of picking up five-star prospects under Rick Barnes, but not every five-star is made the same. So what should Vol fans expect to see from UT's latest five-star signee, 2022 forward Julian Phillips? Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Phillips' high school head coach, Rodney Perry of Link Academy, to give Vol fans an idea of what kind of player and person Phillips is as he heads to Knoxville.

The Vols are Adding More Offense to the Roster

With five-star Julian Phillips signing on to play for the Vols this upcoming season, it's apparent that Tennessee has made it a point to add more offense to the roster this offseason. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the impact of Phillips' decision to come to UT as well as what the additions of Phillips, Tyreke Key, and BJ Edwards could have on next year's team. Plus, Grant Williams KILLED IT in Game 7 for the Boston Celtics, Tennessee added another commitment on Tuesday, and the Vols could add some more players to the roster in the coming days.
(1:40) - Grant Williams' incredible performance in Game 7(12:05) - The impact of Julian Phillips' signing with UT(29:03) - What all Tennessee's additions have in common(35:11) - The Vols land an intriguing big man in recruiting(47:44) - Can the Vols pick up transfer PG Tyrese Hunter?

Interview with New Lady Vol Jillian Hollingshead

After a year at Georgia, former 5-star center Jillian Hollingshead announced she will be transferring to Tennessee. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with the newest Lady Vol to discuss why she chose UT and what the future holds for her. How is Jillian recovering from her injury? What kind of player is she, and is she looking forward to playing with and competing against Tamari Key? Plus, what kind of person is she off the court?

That’s Another 5-Star for Rick Barnes

For the 7th time in the last four years, Rick Barnes and the Vols have landed a five-star. Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Ethan Stone to discuss five-star wing/forward Julian Phillips choosing the Vols over Auburn and the NBA G League. Is Phillips a true one-and-done type of prospect? What role in the rotation will he play for Tennessee this upcoming season? Plus, can the Vols actually land a transfer point guard? And where does UT stand with the two recruits visiting Knoxville this weekend?
Follow Ethan on Twitter! @Ethanstone23
(2:13) - Tennessee lands 5-star Julian Phillips(5:50) - How does Phillips fit into UT's rotation?(11:45) - Setting fair expectations for "one-and-done" Julian Phillips(24:18) - Can the Vols land a transfer PG?(35:06) - The Vols have 2 big targets on campus this weekend(42:01) - How good is UT's roster on paper now?

Translating These Transfers into Success

The Lady Vols have "won" the offseason so far thanks to their strong haul from the transfer portal. But can they translate this offseason success into actual success in the 2022-23 season? Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Coral Hall of Knox News to discuss the latest transfers to join the Lady Vols and how all five new additions to the team will fit in this season. Plus, what are fair preseason expectations for this team, and how has the rest of the SEC been doing in the transfer portal?
Cora's article mentioned at the end of the show: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/womens-basketball/2022/05/06/tennessee-lawmakers-extend-efforts-ban-transgender-athletes-competition/9517461002/
(1:43) - Breaking down the Lady Vols' two newest transfers(6:56) - How do Tennessee's 5 newcomers all fit in to next year's team?(18:56) - Should this team be expected to make a Final Four run?(27:59) - How the rest of the SEC has fared in the transfer portal(34:46) - Favorite Lady Vol story from the season