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Tennessee Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Volunteers

By Richard Gnann

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Rick Barnes the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers gives instructions to his team during the game against the LSU Tigers during the quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Rick Barnes the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers gives instructions to his team during the game against the LSU Tigers during the quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 09: A Tennessee Volunteers cheerleader performs against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 9, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 09: A Tennessee Volunteers cheerleader performs against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 9, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Incoming freshmen

Marquee SEC freshman Jontay Porter and Michael Porter at Missouri along with Collin Sexton at Alabama are eating space in preseason national publications, but Tennessee basketball fans are whispering about Yves Pons.

Out of Haiti, Pons played his high school ball in France at INSEP (National Institute of Sport and Physical Education) Academy in Paris. Volunteer fans hope Pons turns out like INSEP alums Boris Diaw, Tony Parker, and Ronny Turiaf.

At 6’5″ and 205 lbs, Pons is an athletic shooter. Already nicknamed “Tarzan”, he has the personality and looks to not only fill the basket but to pack the arena.

The adjustment to the American physical style of play will be a challenge for Pons. His ball handling and scoring ability strengthen Tennessee at the small forward spot where he will compete with Admiral Schofield for playing time.

Freshmen post players Zach Kent and Derrick Walker join the Volunteers as well. They bring size to the Tennessee basketball team but are not highly rated recruits. Successful basketball coaches match potential with need and system. Rick Barnes certainly is a good coach and either could be a surprise contributor. For now, expect both to serve as minor role players and practice players.

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