University of Tennessee Athletics
@Vol_Hoops Q&A: John Fulkerson
August 29, 2016 | Men's Basketball
For a team limited by its size a season ago, Tennessee produced a surprisingly high number of blocked shots. The Vols added some much-needed size and another potential rim protector in their 2016 signing class, landing versatile forward John Fulkerson.
Fulkerson broke his school’s single-season record for blocks with 113 while leading The Christ School to a 22-9 record as a senior this past spring. It followed up a junior season in which he logged a then-school record 93 blocks (eclipsing the previous record-holder, Marshall Plumlee, who went on to star at Duke and is now a member of the New York Knicks).
An East Tennessee native who hails from Kingsport, Fulkerson spent his final two years of high school in North Carolina. The 6-7 forward will wear No. 10 for the Volunteers. Allow us to introduce John Fulkerson:
You’re known for your shot-blocking ability. What do you feel that adds to the team on the court?
"I think it gives my teammates a sense of knowing that they have help from the backside. If their man gets by them, it's not going to just be a layup. I'll be there to contest the shot."
You broke Marshall Plumlee’s single-season blocks record at The Christ School. What did that record mean to you?
"It obviously felt very good, but I think every time I went to block a shot, I knew my teammates were going to be there to help me. So, I knew that when I went up, my man wasn't going to just have an open layup."
You played high school basketball in North Carolina, but you’re a Tennessee native. How does it feel to wear “Tennessee” across the front of your jersey?
"It feels really good. I'm proud to represent my home state, and know that I can accomplish my goals and my dreams to be able to play here."
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes is known for being a coach that is always in the gym. How important was that to you in your decision-making process?
"It says a lot about him, how much he cares about his players, and how much he wants them to get better."
What was your No. 1 deciding factor in coming to Tennessee?
"I think it was a bunch of different things. I think it started with coach Barnes and the coaching staff, then everyone down to the managers, and all the other staff. It's the state school and close to home. I grew up watching them play."
What was it like the first time you saw your nameplate on your Tennessee locker?
"I felt that the work has just begun. I have a lot of work ahead of me."
LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry?
"Lebron. I think he can do it all. I also respect how much he works on his game and takes care of his body."
Who is your mentor in basketball?
"My AAU coach, Kevin Feltner. I played for him for three years, and he's helped me all along.”
