Vols Showcase Versatility in Closed-Door Scrimmage

The Tennessee Volunteers basketball team recently held a closed-door scrimmage against Davidson, giving head coach Rick Barnes his first look at the team in a competitive setting. While the details of the scrimmage were not made publicly available, Barnes shared his insights on the team's performance and the key takeaways from the session.

Unlocking the Vols' Versatility

Depth at the Point Guard Position

Tennessee's starting point guard, Zakai Zeigler, is a known commodity, having led the team in minutes played last season. However, the scrimmage revealed that the Vols have depth and versatility at the position, with senior Jordan Gainey emerging as the primary backup. Gainey, who primarily played off-ball last season, demonstrated his ability to handle the point guard duties, showcasing the team's flexibility in their backcourt rotation.

Defensive Dominance from Okpara

One of the standout performers in the scrimmage was sophomore center Felix Okpara, who made a significant impact on the defensive end. Barnes praised Okpara's activity and improvement, noting that he "gives us something that we haven't had in a long time." The 6-foot-11, 235-pound Okpara's defensive prowess, including his shot-blocking ability, will be a valuable asset for the Vols this season.

Experimenting with Lineup Combinations

The Vols' versatility was on full display as they experimented with different lineup combinations during the scrimmage. Barnes revealed that the team utilized both four-guard lineups, similar to what they employed last season, as well as larger lineups featuring two of the team's big men, including Cade Phillips, Igor Milicic Jr., JP Estrella, and Okpara.

Evaluating the Entire Roster

Another positive takeaway from the scrimmage was the fact that all 11 of Tennessee's scholarship players saw action. This was particularly noteworthy as Estrella and North Florida transfer Chaz Lanier have been dealing with foot injuries during the preseason. The opportunity to evaluate the entire roster in a competitive setting will be invaluable as the Vols prepare for the upcoming season.

Navigating Early-Season Nerves

While the scrimmage was a closed-door event, Barnes acknowledged that some players showed signs of nerves, a common occurrence when facing a new opponent for the first time. This experience will be crucial for the Vols as they continue to build chemistry and confidence leading up to the regular season.The Tennessee Volunteers' closed-door scrimmage against Davidson provided a glimpse into the team's depth, versatility, and defensive prowess. With a mix of returning players and new additions, the Vols are poised to showcase their adaptability and compete at a high level this season.