NCAA Basketball: Top 25 preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

When it comes to the backcourt depth, an argument can be made that the Vols are near the top, even without Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer. Replacing them is another five-star guard prospect in Kennedy Chandler, a top-10 player and likely “one and done” future NBA Draft pick.

There’s also Auburn transfer Justin Powell, who was a revelation when Sharife Cooper was out injured. In 10 games, the then-freshman averaged 11.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, and 4.7 apg while shooting over 44% from three-point range. He can play off the ball as well which makes him a suitable backcourt mate for Chandler.

Tennessee also has a pair of returning double-digit scorers in Victor Bailey Jr. and Santiago Véscovi, both of whom add even more depth and shooting for all three positions, along with top-50 freshman wing Jahmai Mashack. That doesn’t even include Josiah Jordan-James, who led the Vols in rebounding and is a solid overall player.

The question has been more about the frontcourt, after its collective issues in the ladder half of last season. Senior leader John Fulkerson is back and healthy after dealing with a concussion, and nearly averaged double figures and will be joined by five-star frontcourt prospect Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and top-50 center Jonas Aidoo. They aren’t as experienced as last year’s frontcourt for Tennessee but are more talented and suitable for SEC play.

From a pure talent perspective, the Vols may be the best in the SEC. But the youth and inexperience compared to the others makes them a risky bet in terms of winning the league. Head coach Rick Barnes has his work cut out for him but the talent is certainly there to make a big splash.