NCAA Basketball: Top 25 impact freshmen classes for 2022-23 season

Montverde Academy's Dariq Whitehead (0) reacts after forcing a turnover during the second half of the GEICO Nationals quarterfinal between AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) and Montverde Academy (Fla.), Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.Montverde Academy defeated AZ Compass Prep 72-63.GEICO Nationals 2022: AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.), March 31, 2022 /

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NCAA Basketball Tennessee Volunteers Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Tennessee Volunteers

Head coach Rick Barnes has landed five of the 10 highest-ranked commits in program history in just the past few years, with five-star small forward Julian Phillips the latest to the group. He’s a 6’7 wing with great all-around potential as both a scorer and facilitator.

The High School McDonald’s All-American gives the Vols another scorer on the perimeter to pair with Santiago Vescovi and Indiana State transfer Tyreke Key. He’s also an upgrade over 6’6 forward Josiah-Jordan James, a former five-star recruit that has turned into a solid rotational piece but hasn’t given Tennessee much on offense.

Due to the Vols not having much frontcourt depth, there’s a good chance that forward Olivier Nkamhoua will play at the five, while leading rebounder James plays at the four and Phillips at the three-spot. That may not have a ton of size but that trio will be extremely athletic and versatile on both ends.

Phillips’ backup on the wings will be DJ Jefferson, a 6’5 scorer and four-star recruit who is an old freshman that could find a spot in the rotation. Also in the backcourt is BJ Edwards, a four-star point guard who’ll be the backup to Zakai Zeigler. The 5’9 playmaker will go from 6th Man to starting facilitator but he may not be built to play 30+ mpg with his size. Edwards can get the 10 mpg off the bench and be a future lead guard for the program.

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