A New Era of Guard Play
Tennessee basketball concluded its summer practices on a Thursday, marking the final on‑court work before the team breaks until late August. The session served as a final audition for the new‑look roster that will carry the Volunteers into the 2026‑27 campaign.
Among the newcomers, Terrence Hill emerged as the most consistent presence, repeatedly finding the basket and showcasing sharp perimeter shooting. The former VCU guard, who will primarily operate at point guard despite being a combo guard, impressed coaches with his ability to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities.
Juke Harris, a transfer from Wake Forest, added a different dimension with his craftiness and knack for drawing fouls. His ability to navigate defenses and finish at the line gave the staff a glimpse of a dynamic backcourt option.
Other transfers also made notable impressions. Tyler Lundblade, a Belmont transfer sidelined by injury, is expected to become one of the team’s premier shooters when healthy. Dai Dai Ames, who arrived from California, displayed scoring versatility but will need to tighten his defensive consistency. Jalen Haralson, a Notre Dame transfer, offers versatility that could see him handling point guard duties in select lineups.
In the frontcourt, DeWayne Brown stood out as the most reliable big man, showing both scoring and playmaking instincts. Miles Rubin, a Loyola (Chicago) transfer, made incremental progress but still adjusts to the physicality of SEC play. Braedan Lue, a Kennesaw State transfer, earned praise for his defensive intensity and physicality. Vanderbilt’s Jalen Washington is expected to provide additional size and depth, while freshmen Ralph Scott and Manny Green were highlighted as the most college‑ready newcomers.
Leadership concerns from the previous season appear to have been addressed, with Brown and Hill vocalizing directives and setting a competitive tone during workouts. Their emergence as vocal leaders suggests a cultural shift that could translate into on‑court cohesion.
The roster also features standout transfers such as Terrence Hill and Juke Harris, while veterans DeWayne Brown and Braedan Lue bring experience, and freshmen Ralph Scott, Manny Green, Marquis Clark, Chris Washington, and Jalen Washington add depth. Additional newcomers including Tyler Lundblade, Dai Dai Ames, Jalen Haralson, Miles Rubin, Zakai Zeigler, Jahmai Mashack, Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Nate Ament, and Felix Okpara are expected to contribute in various roles.
Overall, the Volunteers’ summer workouts have painted a picture of a team that is retooling its guard corps, bolstering frontcourt options, and emphasizing leadership. While questions remain about frontcourt depth, the early signs point to a promising foundation for the upcoming season.