Tennessee basketball has completed the opening phase of its summer workouts, giving head coach Rick Barnes an early opportunity to evaluate a revamped Volunteers roster as players adapt to his system and build chemistry ahead of the new season. With so many new faces in the program, one of the biggest storylines has been identifying who is stepping forward as the team’s leaders.
Among scholarship players, DeWayne Brown and Troy Henderson are the only returnees from last season. However, Henderson is currently unavailable after undergoing shoulder surgery in April, leaving Brown as the lone returning contributor participating in summer workouts.
Speaking with reporters this week, Barnes praised Brown for both his on-court development and his growing leadership role. The Tennessee coach noted that Brown has improved his perimeter game, is in excellent physical condition, and has already established himself as one of the team’s most influential voices through his work ethic and commitment.
Barnes also singled out transfer guard Terrence Hill Jr., who joined Tennessee after a standout season at VCU. Hill averaged 15 points per game while helping lead the Rams to a memorable NCAA Tournament upset over North Carolina, and he has quickly impressed the coaching staff with his transition into Tennessee’s system.
According to Barnes, Hill has adapted rapidly despite the learning curve and has emerged alongside Brown as one of the team’s primary vocal leaders. The veteran coach also credited walk-on Campbell Duncan, whose familiarity with Tennessee’s culture and expectations has made him a valuable mentor for the program’s newcomers. Barnes highlighted Hill’s willingness to communicate with teammates, provide encouragement, and reinforce the standards the coaching staff expects.
Hill is widely projected to take over as Tennessee’s starting point guard next season, making his early leadership especially significant. Barnes has long placed heavy responsibility on his point guards, and Hill’s ability to grasp the system while taking charge of the team offers an encouraging sign as preparations for the season continue.
Barnes also praised Belmont transfer Tyler Lundblade, a sixth-year senior whose experience and basketball intelligence have stood out despite being sidelined recently with a back injury. The Tennessee coach expressed confidence that Lundblade will quickly settle into the system once he returns to full participation, citing his professionalism, high basketball IQ, and understanding of the program’s expectations. Following a short break around the Fourth of July holiday, the Volunteers will return to Knoxville for the second session of summer school and offseason practices.
