Tennessee basketball is just over two weeks into its preseason practice. The Vols hits the floor at Thompson-Boling Arena for a practice that was open to the media.
Before the Vols hit the floor, juniors Josiah Joran James and Santiago Vescovi met with the media to discuss the start of preseason practice.
James discussed his growth as a leader, his offseason wrist surgery and how he grew his game during the rehab. The junior also discussed the growing chemistry of this Tennessee team.
“I’d definitely say that this is the closest team that I’ve been on since being here, and that’s not a knock on any of the other teams,” James said. “This unit is definitely close. We’ve done a lot of activities outside of basketball and we really just like each other. We have a genuine love and care for each other outside of the game. So I’d say this team is a close knit group and we really like each other.”
The versatile forward is looking for a breakout junior season after averaging eight points, 6.5 rebounds and two assists per game as a sophomore
Vescovi discussed his summer experience playing for the Uruguayan national team, how his game has grown over the offseason and which other players he sees making strides.
“I think the whole team has made a really big improvement from last year,” Vescovi said. “It’s a much stronger team in terms of everybody has each other’s back. Speaking about me personally, I think quickness was one of the things that I struggles with last season and I feel that I’m a lot better in that aspect this year. Just creating offense for me and other people will be a lot better as well this year.”
Tennessee’s men’s and women’s basketball teamster holding open practices Saturday ahead of Vol football’s matchup against Ole Miss.
