Grading The Vols: Forwards
Tennessee's three true forwards were all extremely different. It isn't just the style of game they play either; it is the age of the three and the long-term potential of each. There is one thing all of them were though: Dependable in their role.
Olivier Nkamhoua: B+
Let's begin with the only Vol that started in every game this season. Olivier Nkamhoua was a warrior in the Tennessee program. He stuck it out and waited his turn, and this year finally got a chance to shine. Nkamhoua didn't have flashy numbers. He wasn't the team's best defender. But he did provide Volunteer fans with some incredible memories.
In two of Tennessee's biggest games of the year, Nkamhoua delivered. He went for 27 in the Big 12-SEC challenge against Texas and then dropped 27 again in the second round against Duke. His turn-around jumper is beautiful and something that people will remember from the two epic performances.
Josiah-Jordan James: B
Without a doubt, Josiah-Jordan James was Tennessee's best offensive player among all frontcourt players for the Vols. James' 107.2 offensive rating was impressive, considering that he took the highest percentage of shots of anyone on the team.
Josiah Jordan-James, Tennessee F
James, like many other Vols, dealt with mid-season injury problems. During Tennessee's big losing stretch, James missed much of it after getting hurt at Vanderbilt in a game Tennessee lost at the buzzer. Despite the obstacles, James finished the year averaging double figures and grabbing close to five rebounds a game. He stood out as a leader even with all the veterans Tennessee had.
Julian Phillips: A
I admit I was lower than many people on Julian Phillips coming in. I wasn't sure he'd impact the offensive end much, but he poured in around 8 points per game. However, Phillips getting an A isn't based on what he did on the offensive end.
Had Phillips played more, National Defensive Player of the Year would've been his award. Phillips was 13th nationally in steal rate, had a block rate of 2.0, and led the country in Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating. Only playing 53.1% of the possible minutes killed him.
Phillips has not officially entered the NBA draft, but if he did, his super high floor would be bound to land him in the first round. If he were to come back and his offensive game took a step forward, he could be an All-American.
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