Summer Practice Opens Doors
On June 25, Tennessee basketball held its first summer practice that was open to the media, giving a rare look at the team’s evolving chemistry and the early implementation of Rick Barnes’ system.
Two of the program’s expected contributors were absent. Tyler Lundblade remained sidelined by a back injury, though he used the session to work on his shooting mechanics, while Troy Henderson missed the entire workout as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery that will keep him out for the summer.
Barnes emphasized that a definitive starting lineup has not yet been set, noting that the staff is still experimenting with combinations and will rely heavily on the players who can adapt quickly to new roles.
The practice was structured around two evenly matched squads, each featuring many of the top prospects. The competitive environment highlighted both strengths and areas that still need refinement.
Jalen Haralson showed his defensive intensity, consistently disrupting opponents, but he struggled with midrange shots, indicating a need to expand his offensive repertoire.
Terrence Hill impressed with his three‑level scoring ability, moving fluidly off the dribble and finishing at the rim while also displaying toughness in contact.
Dai Dai Ames knocked down deep three‑point attempts, yet his decision‑making as a distributor appeared tentative, suggesting he may need more reps to become comfortable handling the ball in transition.
Manny Green drew attention for his athleticism and defensive skill set, flashing the ability to guard multiple positions and finish above the rim.
Marquis Clark’s 6‑foot‑7 wingspan gave him a physical edge, but his ball‑handling was inconsistent, leading to occasional turnovers when pressured.
DeWayne Brown emerged as the most polished big man on the floor, combining strong defensive positioning with aggressive rebounding.
Miles Rubin displayed offensive creativity, but his lack of rim protection compared to Felix Okpara raised questions about his suitability as a primary interior defender.
Braedan Lue contributed several hustle plays, including a highlight‑reel block on Juke Harris that underscored his defensive potential.
Christian Fermin appeared comfortable in half‑court sets, showing a smooth offensive rhythm, though his defensive impact remained modest.
Looking Ahead
The coaching staff acknowledged that spacing and offensive execution will be focal points in upcoming sessions, as the team works to translate individual flashes into a cohesive unit ready for the upcoming season.