Rick Barnes continues to weave his Tennessee basketball team together through summer practices, trying to build some chemistry as each new face learns the system. Two of those key guards have yet to take part in those practices, however, both battling through injuries.
Tyler Lundblade, Tennessee’s first pull out of the transfer portal, has been sidelined with a back injury. Barnes has said the Volunteers are being cautious with him, but he’s nearing being back to full strength.
“As with Tyler, he’s just putting one foot in front of the other, step by step, just trying to continue to improve, and just work towards getting healthy,” Tennessee assistant coach Amarrow Morgan said today. “He’s very close to being there, for sure.”
Lundblade shot 43 percent from three-point range last season at Belmont, scoring over 15 points per game. The 6-5 shooting guard was named the Missouri Valley Conference player of the year.
Another guy nearing full strength is Troy Henderson, who returns to Tennessee for his sophomore season. Henderson has been dealing with a shoulder issue that dates back to last season.
“I think he’s very close, just the same,” Morrow said. “Like, if you watch him work out, he’s out there full throttle, full head of steam, hadn’t really done anything direct contact yet, but he’ll be out there very, very soon.”
Henderson didn’t do much statistically last year, but the flashes were certainly there. He’ll be battling for minutes behind Lundblade, Dai Dai Ames, Juke Harris and Terrance Hill in the Tennessee backcourt. Henderson appeared in 28 games last season.
Tennessee will continue to practice ahead of a couple of preseason scrimmages in October, coming against Xavier and Duke.
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