Turnover issues, Jalen Washington highlight Tennessee basketball scrimmage

Tennessee basketball showcased a newly reformed roster during an open scrimmage at Food City Center on October 3. The white team, led by Juke Harris' hot shooting, dominated the orange team by double digits for most of the game. Terrance Hill Jr.'s impressive offensive display was countered by coaches' efforts to create game-like situations midway through the final period. Juke Harris sealed the victory with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in overtime, giving the white team a 77-75 win.

Three observations from the Vols' intrasquad scrimmage are as follows. Freshman guard Manny Green, standing 6-foot-6, displayed solid form during summer workouts and preseason practices. He consistently made smart decisions and played in the right spots, contributing six points, two 3-pointers, two rebounds, and five assists. However, his offensive impact remains to be seen, as he needs to provide more offensive production to secure regular minutes.

The Vols' backcourt features several offensive talents, including Terrance Hill, Juke Harris, and Dai Dai Ames. While the team possesses scorers, it is unclear who will assume the role of the primary point guard. Hill and Harris showcased ease in creating shots for themselves, but their ability to create opportunities for teammates needs improvement. The turnover issues, with eight recorded over the first 20 minutes, hinder the team's cohesion and limit their scoring potential.

Former Vanderbilt center Jalen Washington, who transferred to Tennessee, showed flashes of his former self during the scrimmage. Despite being slow and less assertive than expected, Washington demonstrated his strength near the basket, his post moves, and his defensive prowess with length and positioning. He logged eight points, two assists, and five rebounds.

Washington is expected to start if he can resolve his legal issues and retain his eligibility. To reach his full potential, the Vols must ensure Washington plays extended minutes without accumulating excessive fouls.