Josiah-Jordan James has played in three consecutive games after beginning a new treatment plan on his injured left knee. Tennessee’s showdown against Kentucky will mark the most consecutive games James has played this season as he deals with lingering knee pain from an offseason scope.
Despite seeing a greater work load in the last two weeks, James hasn’t had any setbacks with his knee and doesn’t believe it is a problem.
“I feel great,” James said Thursday. “I don’t feel like there’s any setbacks. We’re definitely trending upwards right now. I wouldn’t say my knee’s any issue at all. It’s still just trying to get my minutes back up and still trying to get into game shape which sometimes can take a while but I’d say that’s really just my main focus right now. My body feels great.”
James has played well in limited minutes since returning from to the lineup, averaging nine points on 43% shooting from the field while adding six assists and four rebounds.
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The senior wing hasn’t played tentatively on the offensive end since returning, taking 21 shots over the three games. Rick Barnes referenced his ability to work on his shot while injured and James discussed providing what the team needs from him.
“I just come out with the aggressive mindset that my coaches and my teammates need from me,” James said. “I’d say that I’m shooting the shots that they want me to shoot, that I’m comfortable shooting. Sometimes they go in, sometimes they don’t, but I wouldn’t say I’ve come out thinking I have to shoot. I just feel like that’s my role on the team.”
James has played in eight of Tennessee’s 16 games this season and has provided a major boost when on the court. The Vols offense has hummed much better in their latest three games, averaging 83 points per game over the stretch.
James and the Vols are looking to continue their offensive success Saturday against Kentucky. Tip-off is at noon ET and ESPN is broadcasting the game.
