For two straight seasons, Tennessee’s identity has been simple and obvious. They were going to play tough, physical ball while operating almost exclusively through Grant Williams or Admiral Schofield, or even point guard Jordan Bone, who emerged as a real playmaker last year.
Each one of those guys are gone now, along with Tennessee’s rim protector Kyle Alexander. Each have found opportunities in the NBA — a staggering development for a group of three star prospects that came to Tennessee with little to no fanfare at all.
It’s a new day for Rick Barnes, but thankfully for him, a couple of senior guards will be back to ease the transition.