University of Tennessee Athletics
5 Quick Things: Jan. 2
January 02, 2017 | Men's Basketball
Tennessee is back home for a Tuesday night tilt against Arkansas (6:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network). Here's a handful of news and notes on the Vols as they look to start SEC play with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2010.
1 | WILLIAMS PLAYING BIG
"I like blocking shots. That's fun." Those are the words of Tennessee's Grant Williams, fresh off a school-record-tying six-block performance at Texas A&M last week. Behind that block party in College Station, Williams currently ranks fifth in the SEC in blocks per game (2.1), making the 6-5 true freshman the only player on that list standing shorter than 6-9. But while Williams' shorter stature makes him a less-than-prototypical post player, head coach Rick Barnes believes Williams athleticism makes up for his disadvantages on the measuring tape. "He's still much more athletic than he has shown," Barnes said. "I still don't think he has shown that enough on the offensive end. But he's learned how to get himself engaged more. I think his anticipation has been good. He's learned to get himself into position better and he's learning the college rules where he knows what he can and can't do."
2 | GUARDS ON THE GLASS
Speaking to the media on Monday, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes keyed in on the contributions made by the Volunteer guards on the glass as a catalyst in UT's SEC-opening win over Texas A&M. "When we really got things going, our guards started rebounding and that helped us a lot," the second-year headman said. "We need all five guys on the glass or we're not going to be able to rebound with anybody." Leading that charge was guard Shembari Phillips, who snared a season-high six rebounds. Detrick Mostella and Lamonte Turner grabbed four apiece as 18 of UT's 37 rebounds were credited to guards in College Station.
3 | LESSONS FROM THE ROAD
Asked Monday to offer his biggest takeaway from Tennessee's consecutive road victories, Rick Barnes did not hesitate in offering unselfishness and leadership as UT's greatest traits over the last two games. "You saw guys get a little less selfish, guys started thinking a little bit more about the team and doing what they would have to do to help the team win," Barnes said. "I've seen more talking, more communication. The other night at A&M when I was getting upset and frustrated, I thought Robert Hubbs and Lew Evans did a really good job with their leadership. I think there was a little bit more communication and the fact that they are coaching each other a little bit more." Guard Lamonte Turner agreed with his coach, saying the lesson of unselfishness is one best taught through experience. "It can be hard, but it's worth it. When you get wins like that, it's a good feeling -- better than you getting 20 points and losing. As a young player you've got to understand that."
4 | PLENTY OF REASONS TO COME EARLY
Fans can receive free admission Tuesday by donating two non-perishable food items. The donated items benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, helping to feed local families in need. And the $2 Tuesday promotion, available to fans who arrive early (between 5:00-6:30 p.m.), enables fans to purchase a soft drink in a souvenir cup for just $2. Discounted drinks in souvenir cups aren't the only reasons to show up early, however. The Vols have developed a bit of a reputation for their acrobatic and high-flying dunks during pregame warmups. "It is definitely `ri-dunk-ulous,'" senior forward Lew Evans said of the atmosphere on the court during warmups at Thompson-Boling Arena. "Some of the things our guys do are indescribable. Some guys to watch out for are some of our young freshmen who have super hops--guys like Kwe Parker and Jalen Johnson. And there are some other guys who may surprise people as well. Even some of our walk-ons can get up there and dunk with some of the best of them." Tipoff Tuesday is set for 6:31 p.m. ET. The Volunteers are on the court for warmups from 5:50-6:10 p.m. ET.
5 | BARNES BACKS EMERALD YOUTH FOUNDATION IN CHARITY CHALLENGE
Tennessee's Rick Barnes is again participating in the Infiniti Coaches Charity Challenge, joining 48 high-profile Division I head coaches who are raising funds for a charity of their choosing. For the second straight year, Barnes has partnered with the Knoxville-based Emerald Youth Foundation. The mission of Emerald Youth Foundation is to raise up a large number of urban youth to love Jesus Christ and become effective leaders who help renew their communities. The foundation serves more than 1,500 children, teens and young adults each year through a network of churches and faith-based organizations in five youth and community zones. The first round of Infiniti Coaches Charity Challenge voting opens Monday, Jan. 2 and runs through noon ET on Sunday, Jan. 22. To cast a vote in support of Barnes and the Emerald Youth Foundation, all fans need is an ESPN.com username and password (signing up is free). Voters can then log on to espn.com/INFINITI, where they can vote once per day per email address. "Emerald Youth Foundation is doing incredible work for children here in the Knoxville area," Barnes, who serves on the foundation's board of trustees, said. "They're not only helping our kids academically and in their health, but they're also helping them grow deeper in their faith and relationships. So this is a cause and an organization that Candy and I are passionate about."
