Tobe Awaka's Role Evolves Going Forward

After a surprising freshman season, Tennessee Volunteers forward Tobe Awaka could be ready for a bigger role with the team next season.

It always seems as if Tennessee has a loaded frontcourt. This season was no different, and Awaka was a part of that added depth that the Vols sometimes needed. 

At 6 feet and 8 inches tall, Awaka plays bigger than his size. He is tenacious underneath the basket, especially on defense. He averaged 3.8 rebounds a game coming off the bench. His season high for rebounding came against Austin Peay when he brought in 11. 

Tobe Awaka, Tennessee F

Awaka, after that game on rebounding, "It really is just a want to go get the ball. That is something we [the team] have been practicing a lot, and coach [Rick Barnes] has been honest with us about really chasing the ball when it is up in the air. "

Coach Barnes on Awaka's game, "Tobe is a great rebounder. The way he goes and gets it really helps us." With Uros Plavsic leaving after this season, there are more openings to reload the Volunteers' frontcourt. Awaka is on that list, and he is a game changer for the tenacity he possesses. Coach Barnes is a fan of the hustle he has, and the Vols could use that energy for next season. 

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