Tennessee basketball is making a key adjustment heading into Tuesday night’s matchup against Louisville. With forward Cade Phillips sidelined for the season following shoulder surgery, the Vols are turning to freshman DeWayne Brown to step into the starting lineup - and according to head coach Rick Barnes, the move is all about consistency.
“He’s earned it. That’s it,” Barnes said Monday.
“Just with his consistency, he earned it. And we’re going to base everything we do on everyday practice habits and consistency, because that’s what we haven’t had.”
That message from Barnes has been loud and clear all season: consistency gets you on the floor. And Brown, a 6-foot-8 freshman from Hoover, Alabama, has quietly made his case over the last few weeks. While he didn’t see action against Houston or Kansas, his role has grown recently - and he’s made the most of it.
In eight appearances this season, Brown is averaging 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, while shooting a blistering 66.7% from the field. His efficiency and energy have caught the coaching staff’s attention, especially in Tennessee’s last two outings.
Against Syracuse, Brown logged 22 minutes, posting four points, five rebounds and three assists - a well-rounded performance that hinted at his versatility. He followed that up with five points and three boards in just nine minutes against Illinois.
Still, the decision to start Brown over Jaylen Carey raised some eyebrows. Carey, the Vanderbilt transfer, has put together a solid season so far, averaging 8.4 points and 6.4 rebounds.
He’s been especially productive lately, including a double-double performance against Kansas. But for Barnes, it’s not just about the numbers - it’s about who brings it every day in practice.
“To be honest with you, whether it’s JP or Jaylen or Fe, those guys are all starters to me,” Barnes said. “But the fact is, the guy that’s going to start is going to be the most consistent guy.”
That philosophy has led to plenty of lineup shuffling this season. Brown’s start will mark Tennessee’s fifth different starting five in just 11 games. Carey started the season opener, while Amaree Abram and Ethan Burg have also drawn starts during Bishop Boswell’s injury absence.
Now, with SEC play fast approaching, Tennessee is looking to steady the ship. The Vols have dropped three straight - a tough stretch that includes losses to Kansas in Las Vegas, Syracuse on the road, and Illinois in Nashville. Tuesday night’s game against Louisville offers a chance to stop the slide and build some momentum before a pair of tune-up games ahead of conference play.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, with ESPN carrying the broadcast. For Tennessee, it’s more than just another non-conference game - it’s an opportunity to reset, and for DeWayne Brown, it’s a chance to show he’s ready for the spotlight.