2006 Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Preview

2006 Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Predictions

Bruce Pearl left the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin, a program he’d rejuvenated quickly, to rejuvenate another basketball team—The University of Tennessee Volunteers. What else can you say but, “Mission accomplished.” Although three key players from last season are gone, Pearl has plenty of options.

If freshman Ramar Smith is eligible to play, then the Vols have found gold at point. This highly effective two-way player can command the court, hit from outside and defend. His speed should help create even more scoring opportunities for fellow guard Chris Lofton. Lofton (17.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 46.6 FG%, 91.7 FT%), the best 3-point man in the conference, has also developed a fine inside game, making him even more dangerous this season.

At forward, look for freshmen Duke Crews and Dwayne Chism to see plenty of action. The highly touted Crews, who can block shots, rebound and defend, has SEC Rookie of the Year potential. Chism is a big man who runs the court well and knows how to use his body inside. Senior center Mark Wingate (10.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 55.6 FG%, 62.3 FT%) plays a tough inside game, while senior forward Dane Bradshaw (7.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, 41.0 FG%, 58.2 FT%), who underwent off-season wrist surgery, has the versatility to play the power and small positions.

Pearl may be one of the best coaches a club can have. First he leads the University of Milwaukee- Wisconsin to a conference title in four short years and then, last year, he becomes the Vols headman and does the same (22- 8 overall and 12- 4 SEC) for that team. And although Tennessee may not take the conference this year, Pearl will get a lot out of his first-year players and returnees, winning more than losing.

The Tennessee Volunteers look like they have the stuff to compete for a NCAA Tournament berth. With the work ethic philosophy of Pearl, a strong recruiting class and four out of five starters returning, this team will be highly competitive and fun to watch. They can win 20 again this year.

If you want more info on the 2006 Tennessee Volunteers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Florida Gators and Kentucky Wildcats.