Grading Tennessee's 2022 Guard Play

The Tennessee Volunteers had some explosive backcourt depth in 2022 and played to that strength throughout the year.

Injury-riddled, electric, and reliant are three words that could be used to describe Tennessee's guards this year. There were bright spots when the guys were out there, but injuries prevented it from improving. Regardless, there were a lot of positives to talk about, even though the end might've been sour.

Zakai Zeigler: A-

Despite the inconsistencies, it felt like Tennessee had a pretty clear ceiling when Zakai Zeigler got hurt late in the season against Arkansas. Zeigler was the catalyst for one really important part of Tennessee's game: Transition. When Zeigler was on the floor, the Vols forced steals and ran the fast break much better.

Zeigler finished the year 9th in assist rate and 35th in steal% nationally. Tennessee was overall a way more complete team when he was on the floor. Rick Barnes even said after the loss to Missouri in Nashville that the team was still getting used to playing without Zeigler. When watching them over the final stretch of the season, most of the time, it seemed impossible to adjust without him.

Zeigler's grade wasn't higher because his three-point shooting percentage dropped from around 35% to nearly 31%. This Tennessee team desperately needed shooting, and Zeigler being more of a threat from out there could've been huge.

Santiago Vescovi: A+

I'm not sure what more you could've wanted from Santiago Vescovi this season. Vescovi was injured early in the season, but how he progressed after his injury was so big for Tennessee. He established himself as the clear best player for the Vols and consistently brought it on both ends.

Santiago Vescovi, Tennessee G

Outside of free throw shooting (which might've cost Tennessee a game or two), Vescovi didn't have a single weakness in his game. He was nationally ranked in offensive rating, effective field goal%, assist rate, and steal%, to name some. He was also the best three-point shooter Tennessee had despite his declining numbers from last year.

I won't punish Vescovi for his three point% going down simply because I think his injury might've impacted it. His second-half spurts late in the year were the only reason the Vols stayed in some of the games they did.

Jahmai Mashack: B+

These grades are based on expectations and roles. Jahmai Mashack was extremely good at doing what he does best after not being expected to have much of an impact on this team.

The injuries allowed Mashack to step up. Mashack spent time filling in for Josiah-Jordan James and then Zakai Zeigler while both dealt with injuries. While Mashack wasn't nearly as good as either, he came in and gave the team energy while being a menace on the defensive end. Mashack ended up earning 13 starts and played in 36 games.

Tyreke Key: B-

Tyreke Key ended up being a very good portal addition by Rick Barnes. He provided a scoring spark at times, and while he wasn't as good defensively as some of the other guards, Tennessee didn't need him to be.

Key finished the year scoring around 8 points per game, but it often felt like he didn't score around his average. He would have games where he would be more passive than he should've been, but he would also have games where he would score 15-20. The Vols needed more games from him where he was a steady offensive player.

B.J. Edwards: N/A

Did not play enough.

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