Bowden and Turner both had success off screens last year, as well, ranking in the 78th and 76th percentiles, respectively, per Synergy. It’s not quite Virginia’s mover-blocker, but it’s a smart set to utilize the scoring talents of these guards. With little depth behind them (it’s basically wing Jalen Johnson and hyper-thin freshman Davonte Gaines and that’s it), expect Pons to see some minutes at the 3, and scouts will be eager to see how he looks with the ball in his hands more.

Tennessee also found a ton of easy points via the offensive glass, an area where active big man Alexander’s departure will be felt heavily. John Fulkerson brings many of the same traits in his bouncy body, so Barnes will look to him to take over Alexander’s role, but the depth behind him is exceedingly unproven: three-star freshmen Olivier Nkamhoua and Drew Pember plus returner Zach Kent, all of whom have a combined 13 minutes of game experience. Tennessee hopes to have another big body in Uros Plavsic, though it’s unclear how the NCAA will handle his immediate eligibility waiver. With such turnover in the front court and the lack of post-up threats in the flex, generating easy buckets may be even more crucial this year.

Like in 2017-18, Tennessee’s calling card may need to be on the defensive end. The Vols ranked sixth that year in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom, extending its man-to-man pressure to force turnovers and bother opposing shooters. Despite nearly having an identical roster last year, Tennessee became far more offense-oriented, but given the size and versatility dotting the roster – Pons, James, Bowden, Johnson, Fulkerson, Gaines – this team seems capable of returning to that defensive identity. All of those guys can switch most screens, and Turner isn’t a slouch despite being smaller at 6’2.

Bottom Line: As noted at the top of this preview, I voted Tennessee 33rd in our poll to assemble our Top 40 countdown, but after writing it, I’ve cooled a little on the Vols. They will have to prove they can score in different ways without the inimitable Williams to run the offense through, and the lack of experience in the front court may hinder the potentially imposing man-to-man defense. Barnes almost never fell out of the top 40 at Texas, but in an extremely deep SEC, the margins for error will be razor thin. I would exercise caution with the Vols until we see a little more how they’ll use this specific roster and if James can be a dynamic contributor from day one.