There is still plenty Tennessee basketball needs to sort out before October. Roles have to be earned, a rebuilt roster has to find its rhythm, and Rick Barnes’ newest group has yet to face anybody wearing a different jersey.
But after a summer that included more than its share of injury uncertainty, the Vols received the kind of update every good team wants this time of year: the roster is getting healthier.
Assistant coach Amorrow Morgan met with the media this week and offered encouraging news on three players who had been working their way back—Belmont transfer Tyler Lundblade, returning guard Troy Henderson and VCU transfer forward Christian Fermin.
The most important name, at least from an immediate offensive standpoint, is Lundblade. Tennessee brought in the 6-foot-5 guard after he averaged 15.6 points per game at Belmont and knocked down 40.6 percent of his 3-pointers last season.
A back injury kept Lundblade from taking part in summer practices, but Morgan’s update was reassuring. “He’s just putting one foot in front of the other, step by step,” Morgan said. “He’s very close to being there, for sure.”
That matters because Lundblade was not added to Knoxville simply to stand in the corner and wait for a pass. He is one of the roster’s most accomplished shooters, and his ability to create space should make life easier for the guards and wings around him.
Henderson is close, too. The sophomore has been recovering from the shoulder injury that carried over from last season and has not yet returned to direct contact, but Morgan said the guard is working at full speed.
“If you watch him work out, he’s out there full throttle, full head of steam,” Morgan said. “He’ll be out there very, very soon.”
Henderson’s return is about more than his own minutes. Tennessee’s backcourt is crowded with experience, but a full-strength Henderson gives Barnes another athlete, defender and development piece in practices that will be every bit as competitive as the games.
Then there is Fermin, who fractured his left hand during summer practice. Morgan said the transfer forward is already back in practice and has made an impression despite the interruption.
“Christian, he’s back,” Morgan said. “He’s actually one of our leaders in rebounding.” Morgan added that Fermin has gained “12 or 13 pounds” since arriving in Knoxville.
That is the most encouraging part of this entire update. Tennessee is not merely waiting for three injured players to become available; it is getting closer to having those players ready to contribute to the identity Barnes wants.
Lundblade brings shooting. Henderson brings another capable body to a deep guard room. Fermin brings physicality and rebounding to the frontcourt.
The Vols still have work to do before Xavier arrives at Food City Center on Oct. 15. But for the first time in a while, the conversation around Tennessee’s injuries is not about what the team may be missing.
It is about what this roster could look like once everybody is finally there.
– Vol Hoops Staff Writer