Tennessee opened its official preseason practice slate Tuesday afternoon, and the first real look at Rick Barnes’ new group showed a roster still taking shape with less than a month to go before exhibitions begin.
The biggest availability note was Belmont transfer guard Tyler Lundblade, who was the only player fully sidelined. He’s working back from a back procedure and is in the rehab process.
Lundblade said he’d ideally like to return before games start, but he doesn’t have a firm target date yet. Barnes also spent time with him on the sideline, checking in and picking his brain.
At point guard, VCU transfer Terrence Hill Jr. and returner Troy Henderson looked like a strong tandem. Barnes stayed on Hill plenty, which tracks for a coach who clearly thinks he can get a lot out of him.
Hill handled the offense well, showed good vision, and never looked rushed, even with pressure in his face and the shot clock winding down. He also knocked down some tough shots off the dribble.
Henderson, meanwhile, looked much better after dealing with shoulder issues. He still has room to grow, but he can be an elite shooter, and he brought a steady presence to the floor. He also stood out as a leader, taking responsibility when he made mistakes and lifting up teammates after theirs.
Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris gave the kind of shooting display everyone expected. Most of his looks from deep came as catch-and-shoot chances, with Harris finding space off the ball when the defense collapsed. He does a good job slipping into weak spots to create open looks, and he also showed he can cut intelligently for easier baskets inside.
DeWayne Brown II continued to look like a problem in the paint. Even though he gives up some height, he’s the strongest of Tennessee’s forwards and can move people around on offense and on the glass.
He also held his ground defensively. His touch around the rim is still a work in progress at times, but he rebounds his own misses and goes right back up with them, which makes him a difficult cover underneath.
Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames brought the kind of burst that can change a stretch of practice in a hurry. He looks like a player who can catch fire quickly and score in bunches, even if his game still needs some refinement before the consistency shows up.
VCU transfer forward Christian Fermin also left a positive impression. He wasn’t always in the right place, but he took coaching well and didn’t repeat mistakes. He also looks willing to do the gritty work inside.
The player who drew the most curiosity was Notre Dame transfer Jalen Haralson. Barnes has said he could be an elite defender, and the tools are obvious.
The athleticism and length jump out. Barnes was heavy on him throughout practice, pushing him on the finer points - positioning and decision-making - that will determine how far that potential can go.
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