Stokes Recaps Experiences in China, NBA Summer League

By Tyler Hotz, UTsports.com

After a year full of adventures and new experiences, Tennessee basketball VFL and 2014 NBA Draft pick Jarnell Stokes will return to Rocky Top this weekend to host his second basketball camp at Christian Academy of Knoxville.

Stokes, known for his power, energy and rebounding prowess, has spent the past year playing basketball across the globe.

In July 2017, the former Vols' big man signed with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association. It was Stokes' first international contract, exposing him to new experiences and an increased role on the court.

"I was able to expand my game and really work on what I call 'weaknesses' and improve on the court and off the court by taking advantage of the opportunity of being the center-point of a team," Stokes said of his experience in China. "I haven't had that opportunity since playing at Tennessee, and I was really able to flourish and build a nice fanbase over there."

Stokes also said his increased time on the court allowed him to play more like a forward, which is something he has not done since high school. Often sliding beyond the 3-point line, Stokes worked hard to add more range to his jump shot, finishing the season averaging 25 points and 13.9 rebounds per game.

During his career on Rocky Top, Stokes was a dominant presence on the glass at both ends of the floor. Averaging 9.6 rebounds per game during his three-year UT career, Stokes remains the all-time leader in offensive rebounds in Tennessee history.

Recently, this intensity on the boards led Stokes back to the United States, where he eyes his ultimate goal of once again landing a spot on an NBA roster.

Stokes took his first step back into NBA action just this past month, playing in the NBA Summer League with the Chicago Bulls. In limited minutes, Stokes averaged five points and 2.8 rebounds over five games this summer.

"The next step I plan on taking is to cater my game to what I would consider a limited belief," Stokes said. "I know my talents, and I know how good I am, but there's this one thing that I'm capable of doing (better than just about anyone), and that's rebounding."

Off the court, Stokes used his time in the Eastern Hemisphere not only to learn more about the Chinese culture, but also more about himself, too.

Stokes said his favorite place to visit in China was the spa. After games, Stokes could often be found anywhere between midnight and 4 a.m. at the spa recovering and talking with friends.

"I was able to open my mind to new experiences," Stokes said. "I was able to meet a lot of friends, people I'd consider to be lifelong friends. What they taught me was that genuine happiness and putting that out into the world does turn into good."

Stokes also remains connected to the basketball program that helped launch his career. After publishing a blog post about current Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes and the Vols earlier this year, Stokes said he was "very happy" to hear back from some of the coaching staff about his post.

The former Vol also communicates with rising junior forward Grant Williams, working out with the reigning SEC Player of the Year whenever Stokes makes it back to Knoxville.

Helping the Vols make their last Sweet Sixteen run in 2014, Stokes weighed in on the highly anticipated upcoming basketball season for Tennessee. With the team returning 90 percent of its scoring from its 2018 SEC Championship campaign, Stokes said he sees Tennessee making a possible run to the Elite Eight or Final Four.

"Fire is the only thing that will hold them back from outdoing last season," Stokes said. "I saw a lot of fire last year from just being underrated, and I can relate to the underdog mentality."

Stokes' upcoming basketball camp, which is for children ages 7-15, takes place Friday and Saturday at CAK. To register, visit JarnellStokes.org or call 901-337-6257. Proceeds will go the benefit SML Community Service.

University of Tennessee Athletics

Players Mentioned

Grant Williams

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