As the 2024 college basketball season approaches, the Tennessee Volunteers are hard at work preparing for what promises to be an exciting year under head coach Rick Barnes. Recently, Vols assistant coach Justin Gainey spoke about the team’s progress as they began their preseason practice sessions. Gainey, entering his third season with Tennessee, provided valuable insights into the team’s mindset, work ethic, and the expectations for the season ahead.
One of the main points Gainey emphasized was the team’s focus on building chemistry and establishing a high level of intensity from the start. With several new faces joining the roster, including talented freshmen and transfers, Gainey acknowledged that getting everyone on the same page early on is crucial. “We’re still trying to mesh as a group,” Gainey said. “We’ve got a lot of new guys who bring different skill sets, and our goal is to find that rhythm and cohesion so we can hit the ground running when the season starts.”
Gainey was particularly enthusiastic about the depth and versatility of the roster, something Tennessee basketball is known for under Rick Barnes. The assistant coach praised the incoming players, including highly touted freshmen such as Cameron Carr and J.P. Estrella, while also highlighting the importance of veteran leadership. Seniors Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James will play pivotal roles in guiding the younger players and setting the tone for what is expected to be a competitive season in the SEC.
“We’ve got a good mix of veterans and young guys,” Gainey noted. “The older guys have really stepped up in these early practices, showing the newcomers what it means to work hard and play the right way. They understand the expectations and what it takes to be successful in this program.”
Gainey also touched on the importance of defense, a staple of Tennessee basketball under Barnes. The Vols have built a reputation for being one of the toughest defensive teams in the nation, and Gainey indicated that this year’s squad would be no different. “We’re focusing on defense every day,” Gainey said. “That’s our identity. We want to be aggressive, disrupt our opponents, and make things difficult for them on every possession.”
While defense remains a priority, Gainey was quick to mention the improvements on the offensive side of the ball. The coaching staff is working diligently to develop a more fluid and efficient offensive system, emphasizing ball movement, spacing, and shot selection. “We’re going to be more dynamic offensively this year,” Gainey explained. “The key is making sure the ball doesn’t stick. We’ve got guys who can score in different ways, and the challenge is finding the best ways to get everyone involved.”
The assistant coach also highlighted the early competitiveness in practice, with players pushing each other to be better every day. “The energy in the gym has been great,” Gainey remarked. “The guys are competing hard, and that’s what we want to see. Every practice is an opportunity to get better, and we’re treating it that way.”
As the Vols look ahead to the start of the season, Gainey made it clear that the team’s focus is on continuous improvement and preparation for the challenges ahead. Tennessee is coming off a successful 2023 season where they reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, but Gainey believes this year’s squad has the potential to achieve even more.
“The guys understand that nothing is given, and everything has to be earned,” Gainey said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but the effort and commitment are there. If we keep working like this, we’ll be ready when the games start.”
With high expectations surrounding the program, Tennessee fans have every reason to be excited about the upcoming season. Under the guidance of Rick Barnes, with assistance from Gainey and the rest of the coaching staff, the Vols are poised to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The foundation is being laid in these early practices, and Gainey’s comments reflect a team that is hungry, focused, and ready to compete at the highest level.