From Knoxville to the Pros: Tracking Former Vols Lighting It Up Around the Basketball World
As the 2026 calendar year kicks into high gear, Tennessee basketball alums are making their presence felt across the globe-from the bright lights of the NBA to the grind of the G League and the competitive courts of Europe and beyond. Whether it’s veterans closing in on major career milestones or rookies carving out their place in the pros, the Volunteer legacy is alive and well.
Let’s dive into how some of Tennessee’s finest are performing this season.
VOLS IN THE NBA
Tobias Harris | Detroit Pistons
At Tennessee: 2010-11
Fifteen seasons in and Tobias Harris is still getting it done. The veteran forward has been a stabilizing force for a surging Detroit squad, averaging 13.6 points in 27.5 minutes per game.
After missing time in November, Harris has come back strong, helping the Pistons to a 19-8 record in the 27 games he’s played. He’s had some standout nights, including a 26-point effort in a shootout win over Miami and a 24-point showing against Sacramento.
With Detroit currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference, Harris is just three games away from hitting the 1,000-game mark in his NBA career-an impressive milestone for one of Tennessee’s most consistent pros.
Dalton Knecht | Los Angeles Lakers
At Tennessee: 2023-24
Dalton Knecht’s transition to the NBA continues to trend upward. In his second season with the Lakers, the former AP National Player of the Year runner-up has found a role on a team pushing for playoff positioning in the West. Knecht has scored 13 or more points in five games this season, including a pair of 16-point outings, showing flashes of the scoring touch that lit up Thompson-Boling Arena not long ago.
Chaz Lanier | Detroit Pistons
At Tennessee: 2024-25
Lanier, Tennessee’s single-season three-point record holder, is finding his footing in the league. Through 16 games with the Pistons, he’s made the most of limited minutes, shooting 34.1% from deep and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line.
His best outing came in Atlanta, where he dropped nine points, and he’s also shown promise as a passer and rebounder. The stat that really jumps off the page?
Detroit is 15-1 in games Lanier has suited up for. That’s the kind of impact that doesn’t always show up in the box score.
Jahmai Mashack | Memphis Grizzlies
At Tennessee: 2021-25
Mashack is getting his first taste of the NBA on a two-way contract with Memphis. He made his debut on Nov. 20, knocking down two of four from beyond the arc for six points in a win over Sacramento.
Since then, he’s made six more appearances, most recently on Jan. 7 against Phoenix. It’s early, but Mashack is showing signs he can be a versatile contributor on both ends.
Julian Phillips | Chicago Bulls
At Tennessee: 2022-23
Now in his third year as a pro, Julian Phillips continues to be a dependable reserve for the Bulls. He’s logged double-digit points twice this season and has played at least 12 minutes in 10 games. December saw him earn two starts-his sixth and seventh career starts-highlighting the trust he’s building within the rotation.
Grant Williams | Charlotte Hornets
At Tennessee: 2016-19
After more than a year away from the game due to a knee injury, Grant Williams is back. The two-time SEC Player of the Year returned to action on Jan. 10 and has already appeared in five games for his hometown Hornets.
His debut was a strong one: nine points and eight boards against Utah. Averaging 16.8 minutes per game this month, Williams is working his way back into rhythm and giving Charlotte a much-needed boost in the frontcourt.
VOLS IN THE G LEAGUE AND OVERSEAS
Kyle Alexander | Türk Telekom Ankara (Turkey)
At Tennessee: 2015-19
Alexander is putting together a solid campaign in Turkey, now in his second season with Türk Telekom Ankara. The former NBA big is averaging 11.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
He’s already posted two double-doubles, including an 18-point, 13-rebound performance in December. His size and efficiency continue to make him a reliable presence in the paint.
Kennedy Chandler | Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)
At Tennessee: 2021-22
Kennedy Chandler is thriving in the G League, playing heavy minutes and producing big-time numbers. Through 26 games, he’s averaging 18.1 points and 10.1 assists per game-good for a double-double average.
He’s also chipping in 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals per contest. Chandler’s had some monster games, including a 34-point night against College Park and a 16-assist showing versus Long Island.
His efforts earned him NBA G League Player of the Week honors in early December.
Jordan Gainey | KK Cedevita Junior Zagreb (Croatia)
At Tennessee: 2023-25
Gainey is off to a strong start in his first professional season, playing in both Croatia’s top league and the FIBA Europe Cup. He’s averaging 15.3 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals through 22 games.
His best game came on the European stage, where he went off for 26 points on a blistering 9-of-10 shooting (including 6-of-7 from deep) against Keravnos. That kind of efficiency turns heads, even on the international circuit.
Tyreke Key | Raptors 905 (NBA G League)
At Tennessee: 2022-23
Key is building momentum in his second season with Raptors 905. Averaging 10.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, the third-year pro is heating up as the season progresses.
He’s dropped 23 or more points in four straight games, including a 25-point outing against Capital City. Five 20-plus-point performances on the year show he’s becoming a go-to scorer for his squad.
Kevin Punter Jr. | FC Barcelona (Spain)
At Tennessee: 2014-16
Punter is one of the top scorers in the EuroLeague this season, averaging 14.8 points in just under 23 minutes per game for Barcelona. He’s shooting nearly 50% from inside the arc and 39.1% from three-elite numbers in one of the world’s toughest leagues.
His 43-point explosion against Baskonia on Dec. 19 was a season-high and a reminder of his scoring prowess. Punter’s stellar play earned him EuroLeague MVP honors for December.
Jordan McRae | Hapoel Holon (Israel)
At Tennessee: 2010-14
A seasoned pro with an NBA championship ring, McRae is making his mark in Israel with Hapoel Holon. He’s averaging 14.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in his first season there.
He recently notched his fifth 20-point game of the year, putting up 23 against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. McRae’s scoring touch remains as sharp as ever.
Final Thoughts
From NBA veterans chasing milestones to rookies finding their stride overseas, Tennessee’s basketball alumni are proving the program’s reach is global. Whether it’s Tobias Harris anchoring a top-seeded Pistons squad or Kennedy Chandler dishing dimes in the G League, these former Vols are continuing to make Rocky Top proud-one bucket, rebound, and assist at a time.