Kennedy Chandler dazzled again in Tennessee’s 94-62 win over ETSU Sunday at Thompson-Boling Arena. However, it wasn’t the phenom freshman that led the way for Tennessee. It was junior power forward Olivier Nkamhoua.
Nkamhoua was fantastic Saturday for Tennessee, getting in a groove early with five points in the first three minutes of the game. The junior just kept getting better from there on his way to a career high 23 points with eight rebounds.
“He’s different,” ETSU head coach and former UT assistant Desmond Oliver said. “In my opinion, coach Barnes is at his best with veterans. He’s the best teacher, player developer that I’ve ever been around. … You add that with a point guard like Kennedy and now he’s getting dunks and drop offs in the lane. And the fact that he now has the freedom to take open threes. It makes it really hard to guard him. He’s going to have a great season for them.”
The Hilinski, Finland native looked comfortable and decisive on the court Sunday and like someone that could be a strong starter for the Vols all season long.
“He’s getting much better at seeing what’s coming before it actually happens,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said. “I think that comes from playing and being older.”
Then there is what Nkamhoua is providing Tennessee’s offense with his three-point shooting. It became clear watching UT practice this offseason that Nkamhoua was going to take open three-pointers.
Through two games and an exhibition, Nkamhoua has shown a legit ability to make triples. The junior made both of his three-point attempts Sunday and is three-for-five so far this season.
“I’ve always been comfortable with him taking it but not comfortable with him seeking it out,” Barnes said of Nkamhoua shooting threes. “That’s where he was going to be validated. I said ‘you’re too good a player. You need to use your ability.’ He’s got touch, he can fly … you have to show that. You have to bring that.”
Nkamhoua being able to make threes is instrumental for Tennessee’s offense. The Vols didn’t shoot as many today, but Tennessee wants to take a lot of threes this season. Having an athletic big man that can make those shots is a huge addition that makes the Vols much more dangerous.
The Finland native has been excellent as a rebounder this season too. Nkamhoua grabbed 14 rebounds in the season opener and had eight in today’s win. Seven of those 22 rebounds have been on the offensive end.
“I think as a rebounder the main part for me is the consistency of it,” Nkamhoua said. “I’ve always been good at going to get a couple rebounds but now it’s the understanding that it’s a consistent fight, especially on the defensive end. It’s a consistent fight, fighting for the ball, boxing out and on offense just recognizing and being able to read ahead of time if someone is going to shoot the ball and positioning yourself well for that rebound.”
For the first time this season, Tennessee had its full frontcourt available with John Fulkerson returning from injury. Nkamhoua led the group playing 24 minutes. Fulkerson played 22 minutes, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield played 15 minutes and Uros Plavsic played eight minutes.
Huntley-Hatfield struggled at times Sunday, adding just three points and six rebounds.
It’s clear that Tennessee needs Nkamhoua to be a SEC starting level big man if it wants to compete for a conference title.
Sunday was a step in the right direction for the junior power forward.
