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

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Starter: Brandon Huntley-Hatfield

Rounding out this impressive Tennessee starting lineup is freshman forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield. Originally in the Class of 2022, the five-star prospect reclassified into the Class of 2021 in the offseason rounding out Tennessee’s impressive Top 5 class nationally.

Spending time a year ago at Scotland Campus Prep (PA), Huntley-Hatfield previously attended IMG Academy (FL) where he emerged as one of the top post players in the country.

The 6’10 freshman can play either center or power forward, but may be forced more in a center role due to the presence of Fulkerson. An outstanding rebounder, Huntley-Hatfield has the ability to be a strong interior presence on both ends, as well as strong scoring abilities away from the basket.

Huntley-Hatfield will likely see time at both power forward and center this season and has the potential to be one of the top overall post players in the SEC during the 2021-22 campaign.

Backup: Uros Plavsic, Jonas Aidoo, Handje Tamba

The Volunteers will have depth behind the freshman with the most-experienced option being junior Uros Plavsic. Plavsic has appeared in 32 games over the past two seasons at Tennessee, four of which he started, but has primarily played limited minutes in a reserve role.

Arguably the most intriguing reserve option is freshman Jonas Aidoo who comes to Knoxville as a Top 40 overall player. Attending Liberty Heights (NC) a year ago, Aidoo averaged 15/11/3/2 on 68% shooting.

Freshman Handje Tamba could also see some time this season. Attending Knoxville Catholic (TN), Tamba averaged 10/7 last season as a junior before reclassifying in the offseason.

Tennessee Basketball will have one of the most exciting starting fives in the SEC, as well as plenty of other options available on the bench. With the talent and depth evident, should the Volunteers be considered a favorite in the SEC this season?