Following the loss of big man Olivier Nkamhoua, the Vols needed to fill the void of their leading rebounder and shot blocker, but they faced a big issue. Nkamhoua was top 100 shot blocker in the nation, had developed the ability to shoot the three, and his athleticism made him the Vols best pick-and-roll defender in the frontcourt.
Barnes stated that his bench bigs had to step up, but he’s gotten that and so much more from the Vols’ bench. Most recently, it was the long awaited re-emergence of Victor Bailey Jr. against Missouri on Tuesday night. Bailey had his best game of the season, tallying 11 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting.