Vol Basketball Fever

Vols Land a BIG 7-Footer

Tennessee added yet another big body to their 2021 class on Tuesday when Knoxville Catholic center Handje Tamba announced his commitment to the Vols. The 7-footer also announced he would be reclassifying from the 2022 class to the 2021 class, meaning he's immediately eligible for UT this upcoming season. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Knox Catholic assistant basketball coach Geraud Hall once again to discuss what Vol fans should expect from Tamba and what the big 7-foot center brings to Tennessee's roster.

How Does SEC Expansion Affect the Vols and Lady Vols?

It looks like the SEC will be adding Texas and Oklahoma to the conference in the near future. Almost all the talk about the SEC expansion has been about football, but how does this affect Tennessee in men's and women's basketball? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley give their thoughts on what could change with the Vols and Lady Vols with two (or more?) additions to the SEC. Plus, the 2021 NBA Draft is this week. Where will Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer get drafted, and will Yves Pons join them?
(1:19) - How does the SEC expansion affect Vols and Lady Vols hoops?(32:11) - Could Kansas ever join the SEC in men's basketball?(45:51) - The Vols could have two 1st-round NBA Draft picks for the first time in over 40 years

Some Interesting Roster News and Updates

We learned about some interesting updates on Tennessee's men's basketball roster this week, so we wanted to talk about that. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley shared their thoughts on a couple reports about some of the Vols' newcomers in men's hoops. Before that, the two dished on Tennessee's tough non-conference schedule and whether it's good for the team for this upcoming season.
Time Stamps(1:19) - Is Tennessee's tough non-conference schedule good or bad?(33:21) - Are Vol fans in for a surprise with a couple of UT's newcomers this season?(1:14:55) - The Ballinteers tip-off in the TBT on Friday
Show LinksRyan Schumpert's non-conference column on Rocky Top Insider: https://www.rockytopinsider.com/2021/07/19/tennessee-basketballs-loaded-non-conference-schedule-good-for-team-fans/Tony Basilio's blog with roster updates: http://tclub.team/index.php?page=tony&b=3728

Rick Barnes and Kellie Harper Get Contract Extensions

Both of Tennessee's head basketball coaches received contract extensions on Tuesday. Rick Barnes and Kellie Harper received two-year extensions to their deals at UT, and co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discussed those deals and how it reflects upon the Vols and Lady Vols. Plus, Olivier Nkamhoua had a strong showing this past week with Finland's national team. Is that a sign he'll have a "breakout year" as a Vol this season?
2:42 - Rick Barnes' extension and what it means for UT's future28:20 - Why Kellie Harper deserves the extension she got51:45 - Is Olivia Nkamhoua going to have a "breakout" year?

Why Getting BJ Edwards is HUGE for the Vols

Last week, Tennessee picked up a commitment from elite in-state point guard BJ Edwards. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley break down why landing Edwards at this point in the 2022 cycle is a big deal, and why there are larger ramifications to his commitment than you may realize. Plus, how much do the Vols and Lady Vols stand to gain from the NIL, and which player will be UT's leading scorer this upcoming season?

The Vols Land an ELITE Point Guard

Tennessee landed one of their top 2022 targets on Thursday when 4-star in-state point guard BJ Edwards of Knoxville Catholic announced his commitment to the Vols. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Knox Catholic assistant basketball coach Geraud Hall to discuss Edwards' commitment and break down what kind of player and person Tennessee is getting from the talented point guard.

Is Rick Barnes Getting a Raise and Extension?

It's been reported that Rick Barnes is set to get a raise and extension with Tennessee this offseason. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley share their thoughts on the news and discuss whether the raise and extension are warranted and what it means for the Vols. Plus, UT just had a couple more high profile recruits wrap up official visits to campus. Should Vol fans be expecting any commitments sometime soon?

What's the Vols' Plan in Recruiting?

Does Tennessee have a set plan in recruiting moving forward, or are they taking the best available prospects and working it out later? Is that good for the Vols' future roster construction, or is it going to lead to problems? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley debate that topic as well as covering the Vols taking on Texas in the Big 12/SEC Challenge this upcoming season and UT's players showing out at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine. 

The Vols and the NBA Draft

Three Tennessee players are set to participate in the 2021 NBA Draft Combine. Which of those players can help or hurt their stock the most during the event? Plus, is it more important for a coach like Rick Barnes or John Calipari to be able to sell recruits that he's sent multiple players to the league or that he's won multiple titles in college? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss all that as well as some updated recruiting news for the Vols.

The Vols' Ideal 2022 Recruiting Class

What is Tennessee's ideal recruiting haul for the 2022 cycle? What's the most realistic scenario for the Vols' 2022 class? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss that along with the Vols' most recent high-profile visitors and targets in the cycle. Plus, the Lady Vols and UConn are continuing their rivalry in women's hoops. That's a good thing, right?