Tennessee Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2021-22 season
By Matt Melton
Small Forward
Starter: Josiah-Jordan James
Cemented as Tennessee’s starting small forward going into this season is junior Josiah-Jordan James, who enters year three after an impressive first two seasons.
James has appeared in 52 games over the past two seasons with the Volunteers, 43 of which he has started. After coming to Knoxville as a Top 20 prospect, James has averaged a combined 7.7 PPG, 6 RPG, and 2.5 APG across the last two seasons.
A versatile player, James led the Volunteers in both rebounds and steals a season ago, and will be a favorite to do the same once again in 2021-22. While the 6’6 junior won’t necessarily be the Volunteers strongest three-point shooter, James has shot a combined 33.5% the past two seasons, as well as a strong free-throw shooter combined with the ability to finish in the paint.
James will be an important player for the Volunteers this season, not just offensively, but in replacing the defensive versatility from the departed Pons.
Backup: Jahmai Mashack
Freshman Jahmai Mashack will serve as the backup at small forward this season. Rated as a four-star prospect, Mashack attended Etiwanda (CA) a season ago where he split Baseline Player of the Year honors, as well as winning Cal-Hi Sports State Senior Player of the Year.
While the 6’4 freshman’s offensive game primarily relies on driving to the basket, Mashack will provide the biggest immediate impact defensively this season as a physical defender than can defend multiple positions.