Elite Guard Chandler Talks Homecoming and Vols
Kennedy Chandler is one of the elite players in the nation. As a junior, he helped lead Briarcrest Christian Academy to a state title in Tennessee. He was already regarded as a five-star point guard prospect at that time. Chandler then announced that he would be playing his senior season at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas, one of the top high school basketball programs in the nation. Chandler has lived up to the hype at Sunrise, racking up individual awards as well as seeing team success. On March 12, 2021, Sunrise played another national power, Montverde, in a showcase game in Kennedy's hometown of Memphis. Chandler was kind enough to offer an interview after the contest.
The Tennessee signee brought up several interesting points in his interview. In terms of his skillset and what he brings to the table at the next level, Chandler is a true, traditional point guard. The Vols have been looking for a true point guard since Jordan Bone left for the NBA, and Chandler looks to fill that role. He fits the role of a Rock Barnes player with his humble, team-first, hard working attitude. Chandler sees the floor well and makes brilliant passes. He is also capable of scoring from all three levels within the offense, while playing scrappy defense, excelling at getting steals. On the court, the young man from Memphis ticks all the boxes.
Chandler is the kind of player a coach can build a class around, and Rick Barnes has worked to do just that. Tennessee has already signed another elite player in their class, California wing Jahmai Mashack. However, Tennessee would like to continue to add to their class as well as building their 2022 class. Chandler mentioned a name that has been gaining traction with the Vols of late as someone he is trying to have join him in Knoxville in Brandon Huntley-Hatfield. Huntley-Hatfield is a huge name that could help the Vols find continued success while filling a massive need.
Another interesting aspect with Chandler was his talk of building a brand. With the NCAA's new ruling on NIL for college athletes, Chandler is prepared to hit the ground running with his brand. The crowd in Memphis was filled with the KC1 shirts that Chandler hopes to utilize in Knoxville. This is a new part of college athletics, and it will be interesting to see how it works for a player of Chandler's caliber.
The Vols are preparing to welcome one of the best players in the nation to their team in a short time. The focus for Tennessee right now is the NCAA Tournament, but after seeing Chandler in person and the talent that Tennessee should return, the Vols have a high ceiling next season as well.
