Tennessee Scouting Report

Sam Bourne
Mar 29, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Mar 11

The Volunteers have had an impressive season in Rick Barnes eighth season. Ranked sixth in the country per Kenpom, Tennessee had a lot of defensive success against Purdue in Maui. The Volunteers forced 16 turnovers and held Purdue to a season-low 0.96 points per possession. Enjoy my film breakdown of an excellent Tennessee team as I talk about what Purdue needs to do to make a Final Four.

Tennessee's No Longer Rocky Offense

The offensive ability of Dalton Knecht has helped this Tennessee team jump 36 spots to 28th in adjusted offense. Additionally, Tennessee is playing much faster in transition, where Knecht has been ultra-aggressive getting to the rim. In the half-court, Tennessee is not elaborate but persistent with their guards playing off screens.

Tennessee Player Profile

#3 - Dalton Knecht*

Knecht's physical frame and ability to light the nets on fire has made him the focal point of the Tennessee offense. He is a force in transition with his shooting and driving. In the half-court, Tennessee runs him off a ton of screens to try and create space for him to score. When he has the ball, he likes getting to the rim going left and shooting a mid range when he goes right. For Purdue, Lance Jones/Cam Hiede have to stay connected to Knecht around screens with the help defense closing gaps to attack Knecht's loose handle.

A key thing for Purdue when guarding Knecht is anticipating the next screen. Whenever Knecht sets a screen, Purdue should expect a second screen to be set for Knecht to come off. Tennessee loves to use a flare screen for Knecht as soon as he passes the ball as well.

Knecht also has a lengthy highlight tape of put-back dunks or back cuts so his defender should honestly just focus on guarding Knecht and not worry about anything else.

#5 - Zakai Zeigler*

Extremely quick point guard that is looking to get into the paint and faciliate. He is right behind Knecht in three point attempts but only shoots 35% on the season. In the Sweet Sixteen, Zeigler had success dropping in floaters over Creighton's drop coverage. For Purdue, the key is making Zeigler a scorer by going under screens and not sending help defense to him.

#25 - Santiago Vescovi*

The fifth year senior was out against Creighton with the flu so it is unknown if he will play. If he does, his offensive game is built around his shot and pass fakes. On ball defenders have to stay on the ground. I would put Loyer on Vescovi and just play solid, help defense not leaving their man to force Vescovi to score instead of playmake.

#30 - Josiah Jordan-James*

Jordan-James has seen his usage drop off significantly over the last two months of the season. He is still important as a glue guy, but is used more of a shooter (33% from three) and screener compared to earlier in the season. Purdue should play him straight up, not overreacting to the threat of him shooting.

#0 - Jonas Aidoo*

With Jordan-James and Vescovi's roles on offense being diminished, Aidoo has earned more opportunities. In the pick and roll, he will alternate between rolling to the rim or popping for 15 footers. In the post, Aidoo Loves using his left hand to finish. The help defense will be important to help Edey with Aidoo rolling or popping but in the post, Edey should play him one on one by sitting on his right shoulder.

#15 - Jahmai Mashack

Mashack makes his money on the defense end, but he does make good decisions on offense. He has not shown the desire to shoot but will go to a floater. Play him as a driver first and be ready to help off of Mashack.

#2 - Jordan Gainey

On ball defenders needs to make him put the ball on the deck. Help defenders playing his drive and being ready to help in the gap or scram switch onto him to make his shots more difficult. Another player that is a score first guy who has not shown the ability to consistently break down a defense with his passing.

#11 - Tobe Awaka

Built like a bowling ball and very physical going after rebounds. In the post, his one move is a drop step over his left shoulder to shoot a right hook. Purdue's bigs have to contact him first and guards should look to dig down when Awaka is in the post.

Tennessee Offensive Actions

Floppy Action

Zoom Triple

Horns Stagger Iso

Decoy Ballscreen Wing Iso

Volunteers Defense

Man to Man (Non-switching)

Ball Screens - Hedging with backside help, will switch if the guard gets caught
Post Ups - Fronting the post with backside help, a lot reaching for the ball
On ball - Really physical with their hands and good at apply pressure on pickups
Off ball - Will switch guard to guard actions and they play great gap defense

How to Score Against Tennessee

Pick and roll - Re-screens, dribble handoffs, and Spain action to expose the hard hedge
Attacking closeouts - Driving closeouts and then shooting when Tennessee uses their hands is a great way for Purdue to generate free throws
Transition - Tennessee wants their guards to offensive rebound which opens up transition opportunities
Edey post ups - Posting from the middle or sealing for a pass over the top after a pick and roll