University of Tennessee Athletics
Basketball Vols Hold Media Day, Primed for 2023-24 Campaign
October 03, 2023 | Men's Basketball
The Tennessee men's basketball program hosted its annual media day Tuesday, ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Led by head coach Rick Barnes, who is set to begin his ninth season at the helm in Knoxville this year, the Vols boast a healthy mixture of veteran experience and young talent.
On what went into his decision to come back for another year…
"I've been here forever. I really love the program. I love Knoxville, and the people here are great. The support from everyone has been amazing. I feel like I'm at home here in Knoxville, and I love being around here. I love the team and everything about it. For my future, I thought it was best to come back for one more year and spend another year here with the guys."
Â
On what are some things he wanted to work on ahead of this season…
"Mainly showing more stuff on the ball. Shooting it a little more off of movement instead of catch-and-shoot. It's pretty much just better decision making. I've been working on it. We have a great team. I really trust everybody on this team with the ball. I think it's going to be a really fun year."
Â
On choosing to come back with Josiah-Jordan James…
"Josiah is one of my brothers. I know he's going to be my brother forever. We have a couple of other guys that are with us now that have been with us throughout the whole process. Coming back with Josiah is something that I really enjoy. He's a guy that I love, he's my brother and we understand each other on the court and off the court. I think it's going to be a really fun year playing alongside Josiah and the other guys. I'm excited to see what the future has for us."
Â
On how this team can take the next step…
"We just need to be ourselves. We have to be the best version of ourselves at the right time, and that starts with the preparation in the summer. I feel like we had a really good summer with the preparation and the pre-season that we are in right now. There will be a lot of ups and downs, but we need to never waver and be consistent in our work. I think if you're able to do that, then everything will work out."
Â
On what the deciding factor was for him to come back…
"It's hard to leave such a special place. It wasn't until the last day that I really decided my final decision in returning. The biggest thing was being around a group of guys who I felt like were on the same page as me and wanted to come back and do something that's never been done at Tennessee. We have a roster that can do that. Zakai (Zeigler) probably would not have let me leave even if I wanted to. Being around the guys and everybody being on the same page, that really drew me towards coming back."
Â
On how he's evolved as a leader for the team…
"I think leadership is something that you can always grow in. I don't think there will ever be a point in my life where I'm happy with where I'm at. I think the biggest key for me is being consistent and being someone who my coaches and teammates can count on daily. You know what you're going to get out of me day-in and day-out. I feel like I've taken a big step in that direction."
Â
On how big the program has been for him during his injury rehab…
"Definitely, this program, Vol Nation, every time I see someone in public, they always ask me how I'm doing and if I need anything. They've always showed me love through this whole process. Like I've always said, I don't know how I can thank Vol Nation enough for what they've always done for me."
Â
On if the team is ahead in team chemistry because of the Italy trip…
"I consider that Italy trip to have helped us a lot. We were together for 10 or 11 days and we're in a foreign country so all we had was really us. It was probably the closest we've all been since everybody had gotten on campus. That made us so much closer. Since we've gotten back from Italy everybody hangs out with each other."
Â
On how seeing things from the sidelines helps teach the young guys…
"I feel like that will help me a lot because I'll be able to explain it somewhat easier to them rather than the coaches will tell them. We might feel like, 'This is easier than what they're saying' from our perspective. Just listening and being on the sideline has helped me grow. Seeing things from a coach's standpoint and being able to tell the young guys, newcomers, even some of the older guys, 'Hey, I see this. It's there a couple of times, so just look for it next time. It'll be open.'"
Â
On what NBA player he models his game after and how he can utilize their attributes in his own game…
"Definitely Jrue Holiday. I think for me that's a guy that I want to see myself as. I watch a little bit of Donovan Mitchell on the offensive end, and I see how aggressive he is at getting to the paint. It's mainly Jrue Holiday. I also watch a lot of Bruce Brown. Just how they're able to get to the basket, facilitate and be the guy that can do it all. I think that's important for me to be a versatile guy that can put everybody in the positions that they need to be in to score, and also be that rebounder, hustle guy and defender. If I need to get a bucket, I can get a bucket. If I need to pass, I can pass and push it in transition. Just doing everything that the team needs no matter what and being that big versatile guard like Jrue Holiday and Bruce Brown."
Â
On being on the SEC leadership council…
"I think it's an opportunity to have a voice and to represent guys on my team and guys in the SEC. I see how passionate they are about this conference, and I'm just as passionate about it. Having that leadership role is going to be important for me to step forward and really bring a voice to everyone on the team. I think that's important moving forward. Having that voice and option to be able to speak on how we are behind the scenes. We are the ones playing and that brings a different aspect to it. The SEC does a great job at picking the leadership council and I'm very excited to be a part of it."
Â
On how the increased leadership role within the team will affect them going forward…
"I think it's something that's natural. I think it's something that I see. I never want to be a guy that demands anything. I want it to be natural for guys to take leadership. I think that's the best part of it is—that the guys trust me—and the guys know that no matter what I'm doing I'm doing it to try to win. I'm doing it to make sure that we all come together and have fun in this game because we all care about it. I think the leadership role is something that I'm looking to expand even more. I think having that going into that SEC leadership role has helped me a lot. I'm excited for it to see results on and off the court."
Â
On what he would consider a successful season for himself…
"Just helping the team win games. That's the main thing. We want to win as many games as we can and push to win championships. That's the DNA that we are trying to build into this program."
Â
On what he wants to improve on to become the best center he can be…
"I would say staying more aggressive on the offensive side. I feel like I was more reserved last year on the offensive side. I just have to be more aggressive, get to the rim, get to the free-throw line and other things like that."
Â
On how he's improved defensively…
"Coming here to Tennessee, there is a defensive DNA here. I feel like it just rubbed off on me. Everything was taught to me here. I learned everything that there is to know defensively here."
Â
On the biggest thing he learned while playing for Team USA…
"I think it was just finding more confidence in my offensive game. I feel like playing in a different system with different guys, it kind of gave me time to experiment and kind of find more where I'm comfortable at in different spots on the floor. I thought that was something really beneficial for me."
Â
On the biggest difference in his offensive play…
"I think it's just spending time with it. I think after this season, I spent time with the coaches, looked at film, looked at where I needed to improve and then was really intent about focusing on certain areas over the summer. Workouts, and being able to sort of apply those things in game I think was really, really helpful."
Â
On his thoughts before his breakout game against Maryland last season…
"Personally, I don't really get nervous before games. It's not something that has really ever affected me. I think I saw it as an opportunity to showcase what I'm all about and I did that. I think it just goes back to the preparation. Coming in ready at practice, knowing that you're playing against guys who are going to bring it every day. With the older guys especially, learning from them and their tendencies."
Â
On how he has found his niche in the team and can be a leader this season…
"Obviously, those guys help me just as much as everyone else. Just trying to be an overall better leader."
Â
On the adjustment to Rick Barnes' mentality of 'cardio toughness'…
"Every day he'll test our cardio toughness. It's tough, obviously we're all tired but we're all pushing through it and we're all doing fine."
Â
On how he's progressed defensively…
"I feel like I'm doing great. We'll go watch film, just helping me get in the right spots. I've come a long way."
Â
On how much Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James have helped him learn the system…
"They've been big ever since I got here. If I asked them any question, they'd help me. During practice, if coach was getting on me about not learning one of the plays, they'll stop the play and come help me really quick. They've just been super helpful."
Â
On what made him want to come to Tennessee…
"Really the environment, the culture and just the people that are around Tennessee. It's been amazing seeing them, how everyone in Knoxville loves Tennessee and loves every sporting team there is. It's just been amazing."
Â
On how the Italy trip helped himself and the team…
"It was great, it was an all-around just great experience. Being able to bond with the guys and being able to know everyone on a much deeper level was great. We all learned a lot from that trip. It was just an all-around great experience on and off the court."
Â
On how different it is to have his dad as a coach…
"It's a little different. I've never had my dad as a coach. At the same time, I think it's pretty cool because whenever I'm on the court it's strictly business. It's not really a father and son it's more of a player and coach. It's natural just like with any other coach.
Led by head coach Rick Barnes, who is set to begin his ninth season at the helm in Knoxville this year, the Vols boast a healthy mixture of veteran experience and young talent.
Tennessee's 2023-24 roster features 16 players (13 scholarship student-athletes) representing 13 states, as well as Uruguay. UT has three fifth-year players, one senior, four juniors, three sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and three true freshmen.
Over the last six seasons, Tennessee leads all SEC programs in total victories (144), winning percentage (.716) and postseason wins (15). During that span, the Vols have captured a pair of SEC championships, winning the regular-season title in 2018 and the tournament crown in 2022.
Most recently, the Vols are coming off a 25-win campaign during which they finished the year ranked first in Division I in 3-point defense (.265), third in scoring defense (57.9 ppg) and third in field-goal defense (.373). Tennessee was a perfect 22-0 last season when holding its opponent to fewer than 60 points.
Tennessee's first home action of the 2023-24 season comes in an exhibition game against Lenoir-Rhyne on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Its first regular season home contest is on Monday, Nov. 6, against the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech. The Vols has proven to own one of the best home-court advantages in the nation, touting an impressive 43-5 (.896) record at home over the last three seasons.
Fans interested in purchasing season tickets to watch the Vols this season are encourgaed to click HERE.
Following media day festivities, the team took to the Food City Center for practice.
Quotables from select Tennessee student-athletes can be found below. For Barnes' full transcript from his Tuesday availability, click HERE.
2023 Tennessee Men's Basketball Media Day – Player Quotables
ÂFifth Year Guard Santiago Vescovi
ÂOn what went into his decision to come back for another year…
"I've been here forever. I really love the program. I love Knoxville, and the people here are great. The support from everyone has been amazing. I feel like I'm at home here in Knoxville, and I love being around here. I love the team and everything about it. For my future, I thought it was best to come back for one more year and spend another year here with the guys."
Â
On what are some things he wanted to work on ahead of this season…
"Mainly showing more stuff on the ball. Shooting it a little more off of movement instead of catch-and-shoot. It's pretty much just better decision making. I've been working on it. We have a great team. I really trust everybody on this team with the ball. I think it's going to be a really fun year."
Â
On choosing to come back with Josiah-Jordan James…
"Josiah is one of my brothers. I know he's going to be my brother forever. We have a couple of other guys that are with us now that have been with us throughout the whole process. Coming back with Josiah is something that I really enjoy. He's a guy that I love, he's my brother and we understand each other on the court and off the court. I think it's going to be a really fun year playing alongside Josiah and the other guys. I'm excited to see what the future has for us."
Â
Fifth Year Guard Josiah-Jordan James
ÂOn how this team can take the next step…
"We just need to be ourselves. We have to be the best version of ourselves at the right time, and that starts with the preparation in the summer. I feel like we had a really good summer with the preparation and the pre-season that we are in right now. There will be a lot of ups and downs, but we need to never waver and be consistent in our work. I think if you're able to do that, then everything will work out."
Â
On what the deciding factor was for him to come back…
"It's hard to leave such a special place. It wasn't until the last day that I really decided my final decision in returning. The biggest thing was being around a group of guys who I felt like were on the same page as me and wanted to come back and do something that's never been done at Tennessee. We have a roster that can do that. Zakai (Zeigler) probably would not have let me leave even if I wanted to. Being around the guys and everybody being on the same page, that really drew me towards coming back."
Â
On how he's evolved as a leader for the team…
"I think leadership is something that you can always grow in. I don't think there will ever be a point in my life where I'm happy with where I'm at. I think the biggest key for me is being consistent and being someone who my coaches and teammates can count on daily. You know what you're going to get out of me day-in and day-out. I feel like I've taken a big step in that direction."
Â
Junior Guard Zakai ZeiglerÂ
ÂOn how big the program has been for him during his injury rehab…
"Definitely, this program, Vol Nation, every time I see someone in public, they always ask me how I'm doing and if I need anything. They've always showed me love through this whole process. Like I've always said, I don't know how I can thank Vol Nation enough for what they've always done for me."
Â
On if the team is ahead in team chemistry because of the Italy trip…
"I consider that Italy trip to have helped us a lot. We were together for 10 or 11 days and we're in a foreign country so all we had was really us. It was probably the closest we've all been since everybody had gotten on campus. That made us so much closer. Since we've gotten back from Italy everybody hangs out with each other."
Â
On how seeing things from the sidelines helps teach the young guys…
"I feel like that will help me a lot because I'll be able to explain it somewhat easier to them rather than the coaches will tell them. We might feel like, 'This is easier than what they're saying' from our perspective. Just listening and being on the sideline has helped me grow. Seeing things from a coach's standpoint and being able to tell the young guys, newcomers, even some of the older guys, 'Hey, I see this. It's there a couple of times, so just look for it next time. It'll be open.'"
Â
Junior Guard Jahmai Mashack
ÂOn what NBA player he models his game after and how he can utilize their attributes in his own game…
"Definitely Jrue Holiday. I think for me that's a guy that I want to see myself as. I watch a little bit of Donovan Mitchell on the offensive end, and I see how aggressive he is at getting to the paint. It's mainly Jrue Holiday. I also watch a lot of Bruce Brown. Just how they're able to get to the basket, facilitate and be the guy that can do it all. I think that's important for me to be a versatile guy that can put everybody in the positions that they need to be in to score, and also be that rebounder, hustle guy and defender. If I need to get a bucket, I can get a bucket. If I need to pass, I can pass and push it in transition. Just doing everything that the team needs no matter what and being that big versatile guard like Jrue Holiday and Bruce Brown."
Â
On being on the SEC leadership council…
"I think it's an opportunity to have a voice and to represent guys on my team and guys in the SEC. I see how passionate they are about this conference, and I'm just as passionate about it. Having that leadership role is going to be important for me to step forward and really bring a voice to everyone on the team. I think that's important moving forward. Having that voice and option to be able to speak on how we are behind the scenes. We are the ones playing and that brings a different aspect to it. The SEC does a great job at picking the leadership council and I'm very excited to be a part of it."
Â
On how the increased leadership role within the team will affect them going forward…
"I think it's something that's natural. I think it's something that I see. I never want to be a guy that demands anything. I want it to be natural for guys to take leadership. I think that's the best part of it is—that the guys trust me—and the guys know that no matter what I'm doing I'm doing it to try to win. I'm doing it to make sure that we all come together and have fun in this game because we all care about it. I think the leadership role is something that I'm looking to expand even more. I think having that going into that SEC leadership role has helped me a lot. I'm excited for it to see results on and off the court."
Â
Junior Forward Jonas Aidoo
On what he would consider a successful season for himself…
"Just helping the team win games. That's the main thing. We want to win as many games as we can and push to win championships. That's the DNA that we are trying to build into this program."
Â
On what he wants to improve on to become the best center he can be…
"I would say staying more aggressive on the offensive side. I feel like I was more reserved last year on the offensive side. I just have to be more aggressive, get to the rim, get to the free-throw line and other things like that."
Â
On how he's improved defensively…
"Coming here to Tennessee, there is a defensive DNA here. I feel like it just rubbed off on me. Everything was taught to me here. I learned everything that there is to know defensively here."
Â
Sophomore Forward Tobe Awaka
ÂOn the biggest thing he learned while playing for Team USA…
"I think it was just finding more confidence in my offensive game. I feel like playing in a different system with different guys, it kind of gave me time to experiment and kind of find more where I'm comfortable at in different spots on the floor. I thought that was something really beneficial for me."
Â
On the biggest difference in his offensive play…
"I think it's just spending time with it. I think after this season, I spent time with the coaches, looked at film, looked at where I needed to improve and then was really intent about focusing on certain areas over the summer. Workouts, and being able to sort of apply those things in game I think was really, really helpful."
Â
On his thoughts before his breakout game against Maryland last season…
"Personally, I don't really get nervous before games. It's not something that has really ever affected me. I think I saw it as an opportunity to showcase what I'm all about and I did that. I think it just goes back to the preparation. Coming in ready at practice, knowing that you're playing against guys who are going to bring it every day. With the older guys especially, learning from them and their tendencies."
Â
Fifth Year Guard Dalton KnechtÂ
ÂOn how he has found his niche in the team and can be a leader this season…
"Obviously, those guys help me just as much as everyone else. Just trying to be an overall better leader."
Â
On the adjustment to Rick Barnes' mentality of 'cardio toughness'…
"Every day he'll test our cardio toughness. It's tough, obviously we're all tired but we're all pushing through it and we're all doing fine."
Â
On how he's progressed defensively…
"I feel like I'm doing great. We'll go watch film, just helping me get in the right spots. I've come a long way."
Â
On how much Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James have helped him learn the system…
"They've been big ever since I got here. If I asked them any question, they'd help me. During practice, if coach was getting on me about not learning one of the plays, they'll stop the play and come help me really quick. They've just been super helpful."
Â
Junior Guard Jordan Gainey
ÂOn what made him want to come to Tennessee…
"Really the environment, the culture and just the people that are around Tennessee. It's been amazing seeing them, how everyone in Knoxville loves Tennessee and loves every sporting team there is. It's just been amazing."
Â
On how the Italy trip helped himself and the team…
"It was great, it was an all-around just great experience. Being able to bond with the guys and being able to know everyone on a much deeper level was great. We all learned a lot from that trip. It was just an all-around great experience on and off the court."
Â
On how different it is to have his dad as a coach…
"It's a little different. I've never had my dad as a coach. At the same time, I think it's pretty cool because whenever I'm on the court it's strictly business. It's not really a father and son it's more of a player and coach. It's natural just like with any other coach.
Players Mentioned
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