Jordan Gainey checked into the game for Tennessee basketball against LSU with the Vols already leading comfortably. On his second defensive possession, he deflected a pass and scored on a goaltending call in transition. The next possession he stripped LSU guard Tyrell Ward at the basket.
At his best earlier this season, Gainey sparked Tennessee with his offense off the bench. In Tennessee’s 88-68 win over LSU on Wednesday night, Gainey sparked the Vols with his defense.
Since Rick Barnes had nothing but admiration for Jordan Gainey’s (@JordaGainey) defense, here are some highlights of JG on D. #Vols pic.twitter.com/T9chR0YlWg
— Reece Van Haaften (@Reece_VH) February 8, 2024
That’s just what Tennessee coach Rick Barnes wants to see.
“I was sitting beside his dad (associate head coach Justin Gainey) and I kept telling his rhythm (was good), but I said, man, he’s improved so much on the defensive end. He was really working so hard there,” Barnes said. “Defensively is where he’s improved more than anything this year. I mean, he has really taken it personal, becoming an all-around player.”
The offensive spark wasn’t far behind the defensive one. The USC-Upstate transfer totaled 10 first half points on four-of-five shooting from the field and two-of-three shooting from three-point range.
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Gainey’s 26 minutes were the most he played since the North Carolina game and he kept his offensive output rolling into the second half and finished the game with a season-high 18 points to go along with three assists and three steals.
“Everybody thinks he can just shoot it,” Barnes said. “He’s not afraid to go in and you can try to create something off the bounce.”
While Gainey can do more than shoot it, that’s his biggest boost to Tennessee on the offensive end. After a prolonged slump in December and early January, Gainey’s gotten back into a rhythm and is shooting nine-of-21 (43%) from the perimeter in Tennessee’s last five games.
The perimeter shooting is Gainey’s best attribute but it’s ill-advised to overlook his steadily improving defense. It’s making him more-and-more playable for extended amounts of time and against LSU he showed he can make a true impact on a game with it.
The 6-foot-3 guard is doing what Barnes always preaches, coming into the game looking to make an impact on the defensive end while letting things come to him offensively.
“Really just trying to lock in on defense,” Gainey said postgame. “Trying to get as many possessions for our team as I can and have fun out there. Playing defense is what we do and whenever everybody is clicking on the same side it’s fun.”
It’s another step in the right direction for a player that was struggling to find his footing a few short weeks ago.
