Tennessee Basketball: Projected depth chart, lineup for 2021-22 season

Tennessee Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2021-22 season

By Matt Melton | Sep 11, 2021

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 12: Santiago Vescovi #25 of the Tennessee Volunteers talks with John Fulkerson #10 in a stoppage against the Florida Gators during the first half of their quarterfinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

Tennessee Basketball Kennedy Chandler (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Point Guard

Starter: Kennedy Chandler

Despite a more experienced option available to fill the starting role for the Volunteers this season, Kennedy Chandler will be the starting point guard for Tennessee.

Chandler comes to Knoxville as one of the highest-rated recruits in school history. Rated as a consensus five-star prospect, Chandler is regarded as one of the top two freshman point guards in the country and is a truly elite playmaker on all fronts.

Attending national powerhouse Sunrise Christian (KS) a year ago, Chandler led the Buffaloes to the GEICO Nationals’ Finals, while also receiving numerous accolades including All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year, and many more. Prior to his senior season, Chandler won back-to-back Mr. Basketball awards in Tennessee at Briarcrest Christian School during his sophomore and junior seasons.

At 6’1, Chandler is a true point guard with the ability to break down a defense with ease. While he has the ability to score at any time, and he will, Chandler’s elite passing abilities and high basketball IQ will only benefit the players around him on the court.

Tennessee was already a solid offensive team a year ago averaging 71.9 PPG, and with Chandler at the helm this season, the Volunteers should see that number rise in 2021-22. Also, for an elite defensive team last season, adding a defender the caliber of Chandler will only make Tennessee that much stronger defensively at the guard position.

Backup: Santiago Vescovi/Zakai Zeigler

The Volunteers back-up point guard will be Santiago Vescovi, who has started 42 of 46 games the past two seasons for Tennessee at the position. Averaging 9/3/3 for his career, you won’t find a more experienced backup point guard in the SEC than Vescovi.

Freshman Zakai Zeigler could also see some time this season, but likely not much with the presence of Chandler and Vescovi. Rated as a three-star recruit, Zeigler averaged 20 PPG and 4.6 APG last season at Immaculate Conception (NJ).

Home/Tennessee Volunteers