A Fresh Start in Knoxville
Tennessee basketball is back in full swing. The team just wrapped up its second week of practice. Rick Barnes has built a roster that looks strong on paper. The biggest addition? Juke Harris. He left Wake Forest to join the Volunteers. He actually chose Tennessee over Wake Forest when he first got recruited. Now, two years later, he is ready to chase a Final Four. The adjustment to Barnes’ system means one thing for sure. It means hard work on defense.
Harris knew exactly what he was signing up for. He said his defense has gotten much better. He told reporters he is playing more into the ball. He is getting through ball screens much faster. This is the kind of growth the coaching staff wants to see. According to Rocky Top Talk, Harris sees tremendous improvement in his game. He feels like he has unlocked a new level of mental strength. He can now play through contact without fear.
Two years later.
Building Trust With New Teammates
The roster is nearly entirely new this year. That makes chemistry a top priority. Harris says the group looks great so far. He believes every single guy has a chance to start. He loves playing with his new teammates already. He feels the chemistry will just keep getting better. He is working hard to build trust with the squad. He wants to make sure everyone knows he can get to the ball. This helps the whole offense run smoother.
Barnes is known for being tough on his players. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Harris appreciates that honest approach. He said Barnes will let you know if something is not right. This style is exactly what Harris needed. He chose to come to Tennessee for this reason. He feels it helps him be a “dog” on the defensive end. He never thought he would be decent at defense before. Now he is confident it will show this year.
Every single guy has a shot.
A Unique Offense and Injury Updates
Harris will play mostly at the two and three spots. But the coach wants him to run the point too. He is getting experience at the one position. This is a very unique situation for the team. Barnes said there are four or five guys who can play point guard. This helps everyone learn their spots on the floor. According to On3 Volunteers, Harris feels the offense will run more freely. He doesn’t think they will run many set plays.
Not everyone is healthy right now. Tyler Lundblade is out with a back injury. Barnes says this is just a precaution for now. He loves how Lundblade stays involved even while hurt. He is trying to coach guys up from the sidelines. The coach believes Lundblade will be fine. He is such a hard worker. Barnes expects the senior guard to get totally healthy soon. The team is also waiting on Troy Henderson to return.
Four or five point guards.
What to Expect This Season
Harris averaged 21.4 points per game last season. He shot 33 percent from three-point range. Those numbers will be hard to match in Knoxville. But he brings a different skill set to the Vols. He has the length and the length to fit the system. He joins a pipeline of players who have gone to the NBA. Dalton Knecht and Chaz Lanier are recent examples. Harris seems ready to carry that torch forward.
The schedule looks tough but exciting. Harris likes the non-conference games they have lined up. He knows Coastal Carolina has a good squad coming in. He has old teammates there, so he knows their talent. The team is ready to show what they can do. Barnes isn’t worried about the new faces. He sees good progress every single day. The Vols are building something special in Knoxville.
21.4 points per game.
