Believe it or not, Tennessee basketball is HERE! Both the Vols and Lady Vols have started preseason practices, and Nathanael Rutherford speaks with Ryan Schumpert of Rocky Top Insider about what he's seen from the Vols' basketball team through the first week of practices and on UT's Media Day this week. Who is going to back up Zakai Zeigler at point guard? Will the Vols have some post players to rely on offensively this season? Plus, Julian Phillips is already garnering rave reviews from UT's co...
Oct 06, 2022•47 min•Ep. 109
Some early preseason polls are starting to come out, and the Vols are starting to appear higher up than you might expect for the 2022-23 season. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss whether or not Tennessee will be a preseason top 10 team this upcoming season and if the Vols deserve that ranking. Plus, UT's full 2022-23 schedule has been released, and it could lead to a pretty strong start for the Vols this year. Also, is Josiah-Jordan James the Vols' best player heading into th...
Sep 16, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 108
Tennessee's men's basketball program stayed hot on the recruiting trail in the 2023 class when elite big man JP Estrella announced his commitment to UT on Friday. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley break down the Vols' latest commitment and discuss why he could be a dynamic post option for Tennessee in the future. Plus, where does Rick Barnes rank among the rest of the college basketball world when it comes to recruiting? One national media outlet shared their take on Barnes' recruiti...
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 107
No surprise here: The Lady Vols have to face another grueling slate of games when they enter the 2022-23 season. Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Ryan Sylvia of TNJN to discuss UT's difficult schedule for the upcoming season now that the full schedule has been released. Plus, if you could only choose one player to protect the entire season from injury, which Lady Vol would you select? And which game (or games) will we see the Lady Vols wear their new Summitt Blue jerseys this seas...
Aug 27, 2022•48 min•Ep. 106
**WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE MESSED UP AUDIO QUALITY. Apparently when recording, the software recorded from the incorrect audio source, which is why the audio sounds lower quality in this episode. We apologize for the mishap.** The Vols added a big piece to their 2023 recruiting class this week when four-star combo guard Freddie Dilione out of North Carolina committed to Tennessee. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the Vols' newest commit and why he could be the exact type of offen...
Aug 19, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 105
What exactly are fair expectations for Tennessee's men's basketball program as a whole? Does the Vols' distant past matter more than their recent history? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss how the Vols are viewed nationally and where exactly UT should rank in men's college basketball compared to other programs. Do fans who got sucked into UT hoops during the Bruce Pearl era have higher expectations for the Vols than older fans who grew up watching Ray Mears and Don DeVoe? Plu...
Aug 12, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 104
Tennessee has swung and missed on some high profile prospects in the 2023 class lately. Is it time for Rick Barnes and his staff to make some adjustments to their recruiting style as Barnes enters his last few years in college basketball? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the Vols' recruiting as of late, how sustainable UT's current recruiting efforts are, and what the future could hold for the program beyond this upcoming season. (2:18) - Discussing the Vols' recent misses i...
Aug 04, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 103
It's time for the first-ever Lady Vol mailbag edition of the show! Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Maria Cornelius of GoVols247 to answer listener questions about the Lady Vols' starting five, biggest non-conference match-ups this season, how Kellie Harper has changed the culture of the program, and much more! (2:39) - What match-ups are we most looking forward to? (10:20) - How can Kellie Harper keep this coaching staff intact? (19:26) - Who will be the Lady Vols' starting 5 and...
Jul 27, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 102
Tennessee officially added New York big man Tobe Awaka to their 2022-23 roster when his signing in the 2022 class was announced this month. Nathanael Rutherford is joined by Awaka's high school head coach, Joe Lods of Cardinal Hayes High School, to give Vol fans the lowdown on the newest addition to UT's roster. What makes Awaka so great at rebounding? Did the Vols land one of the biggest steals of the 2022 recruiting cycle? Plus, hear why Awaka might be a combination of Zakai Zeigler, Grant Wil...
Jul 15, 2022•30 min•Ep. 101
Have both the Vols and Lady Vols done enough this offseason to create rosters that can compete -- and win -- championships this upcoming season? Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Jack Foster of Volunteer Country on Sports Illustrated to break down the roster reconstruction for both the Vols and Lady Vols basketball teams this offseason. Will the Vols use that last open scholarship this summer? Even if they don't, have the additions this offseason drastically improved the team? For ...
Jul 08, 2022•53 min•Ep. 100
Figuring out the Vols' starting five and their main rotation is going to be a tough job for Rick Barnes and his staff. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss that and more in a mailbag episode of the show! Where does Tennessee stack up with returning production against the rest of the SEC? What do we know about UT's new Director of Recruiting? And is the Vols' SEC schedule actually favorable this year? (2:12) - Do the Vols actually have a favorable slate of SEC games? (16:26) - Be...
Jul 01, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 99
Many expected Vol point guard Kennedy Chandler to go in the 1st round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Instead, Chandler dropped into the 2nd round and was taken with the No. 38 overall pick. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss why Chandler fell out of the 1st round but why his fit with the Memphis Grizzlies is ultimately more important than where he got drafted. Plus, could the Vols have a NBA Draft lottery pick in next year's draft? One prominent draft analyst thinks so. (2:00) - Why K...
Jun 25, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 98
We're back! Sorry for the break, but we're back with another Lady Vol episode of the show! Nathanael Rutherford is joined by Maria Cornelius of GoVols247 to discuss all of the post options the Lady Vols have now thanks to their additions in the transfer portal. Plus, 5-star Justin Pissott is reminding people why she shouldn't be counted out as a possible notable contributor for the upcoming season, some unfortunate injury news for a Lady Vol, and Maria shares a story about Pat Summitt in honor o...
Jun 16, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 97
The Vols added 4-star wing DJ Jefferson as part of their 2022 class, and that leaves them with just one more open spot for the upcoming season. With Iowa State transfer point guard Tyrese Hunter choosing Texas, can the Vols find another guard to round out the roster? Or do they even need to? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the addition of Jefferson to the roster, why Zakai Zeigler could be ready to start at PG, what to expect from Josiah-Jordan James this season, and more! ...
Jun 03, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 96
The Vols remained hot on the recruiting trail in the 2022 class when four-star wing DJ Jefferson announced his commitment and subsequent signing with Tennessee late last week. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Jefferson's high school head coach, Lucas Patterson of Minnesota Prep Academy, to discuss what Vol fans should expect from the athletic guard when he arrives in Knoxville. Why did Jefferson take so long to get noticed by high major programs? What is his ceiling? Is he going to surprise fa...
May 26, 2022•18 min•Ep. 95
Tennessee has made it a habit of picking up five-star prospects under Rick Barnes, but not every five-star is made the same. So what should Vol fans expect to see from UT's latest five-star signee, 2022 forward Julian Phillips? Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Phillips' high school head coach, Rodney Perry of Link Academy, to give Vol fans an idea of what kind of player and person Phillips is as he heads to Knoxville.
May 23, 2022•20 min•Ep. 94
With five-star Julian Phillips signing on to play for the Vols this upcoming season, it's apparent that Tennessee has made it a point to add more offense to the roster this offseason. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the impact of Phillips' decision to come to UT as well as what the additions of Phillips, Tyreke Key, and BJ Edwards could have on next year's team. Plus, Grant Williams KILLED IT in Game 7 for the Boston Celtics, Tennessee added another commitment on Tuesday, a...
May 18, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 93
After a year at Georgia, former 5-star center Jillian Hollingshead announced she will be transferring to Tennessee. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with the newest Lady Vol to discuss why she chose UT and what the future holds for her. How is Jillian recovering from her injury? What kind of player is she, and is she looking forward to playing with and competing against Tamari Key? Plus, what kind of person is she off the court?
May 16, 2022•17 min•Ep. 92
For the 7th time in the last four years, Rick Barnes and the Vols have landed a five-star. Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Ethan Stone to discuss five-star wing/forward Julian Phillips choosing the Vols over Auburn and the NBA G League. Is Phillips a true one-and-done type of prospect? What role in the rotation will he play for Tennessee this upcoming season? Plus, can the Vols actually land a transfer point guard? And where does UT stand with the two recruits visiting Knoxville ...
May 14, 2022•53 min•Ep. 91
The Lady Vols have "won" the offseason so far thanks to their strong haul from the transfer portal. But can they translate this offseason success into actual success in the 2022-23 season? Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Coral Hall of Knox News to discuss the latest transfers to join the Lady Vols and how all five new additions to the team will fit in this season. Plus, what are fair preseason expectations for this team, and how has the rest of the SEC been doing in the transfer ...
May 06, 2022•44 min•Ep. 90
Tennessee native Tyreke Key decided to transfer from Indiana State and play for his home state university for his final year of college basketball. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with the grad transfer to discuss why he chose the Vols and what kind of player he is. How is Key's recovery from shoulder surgery going? What made Tennessee his top choice for his final year of eligibility? What should Vol fans expect from Tyreke on and off the basketball court?
May 02, 2022•16 min•Ep. 89
Tennessee filled one of their open roster spots this past week when Indiana State grad transfer Tyreke Key signed with the Vols. Nathanael Rutherford is joined by Todd Aaron Golden, beat writer for Indiana State for the Tribune-Star, to discuss what Vol fans should expect from the Celina, TN native. Will Key be the same after his shoulder surgery? Can Key finish at the rim with consistency? What kind of defender is the 6-3 guard? They cover all of that and more! Todd's interview with Key on why ...
Apr 30, 2022•33 min•Ep. 88
Yet another one of Tennessee's players has reportedly put his name in the transfer portal. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the impact of Justin Powell putting his name in the transfer portal on Wednesday. But that's far from the only bit of news around UT's men's basketball program. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield chooses his transfer destination, Josiah-Jordan James is in the NBA Draft field, the Vols officially sign a transfer, UT is pursuing another talented PG transfer, and pl...
Apr 28, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 87
After yet another big addition from the transfer portal, the hype for the Lady Vols' 2022-23 season continues to build. Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Kellyanne Stitts of WATE News to discuss how Tennessee's three transfer portal additions could make the Lady Vols a Final Four favorite heading into next year. Plus, Rae Burrell was taken in the 1st Round of the WNBA Draft, the biggest takeaway from this past season, and much more! Follow Kellyanne on Twitter! https://twitter.com/...
Apr 27, 2022•47 min•Ep. 86
It's time for another mailbag episode of the show! Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley answer listener questions about a myriad of offseason topics. Tennessee is in on two big-name transfers in the transfer portal. What are the odds the Vols land both of them? UT is also pursuing a five-star in the 2022 class. Can Tennessee pick him up as well? Plus, what are expectations for BJ Edwards? Does Rick Barnes change how he approaches March after another early exit? (2:04) - When is the dead...
Apr 23, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 85
The biggest news surrounding the Vols' basketball program over the last few days has been the transfer of freshman forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley break down the decision by the former five-star, what it means for the Vols, and the fallout for BHH and Rick Barnes moving forward. Plus, they try to decipher a cryptic tweet by Josiah-Jordan James, look at how UT could fill their new scholarship openings, and more. (1:48) - A new way to interact with t...
Apr 14, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 84
After a successful 2021-22 season, Kellie Harper and the Lady Vols are heading into a VERY important offseason before the 2022-23 campaign. Nathanael Rutherford is joined by special guest Maria Cornelius of GoVols247 to put a bow on Tennessee's 2021-22 season and look ahead to some final roster moves this offseason and how the roster could shake out. Will the Lady Vols add another transfer here soon? How does this coaching staff figure out a starting five for next year? Plus, what is the early f...
Apr 08, 2022•57 min•Ep. 83
The season is over, and that means it's time to look at Tennessee's roster and discuss how the Vols can improve it for next season. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley break down the roster moves that have already happened for Tennessee and what positions Rick Barnes and his staff need to address in recruiting and through the transfer portal. Should Vol fans expect another transfer off the roster this offseason? Is point guard the biggest position of need in the transfer portal, or is ...
Apr 07, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 82
Now that we've had a couple weeks to remove ourselves from the sting of the loss to Michigan, it's time to ask the question: Was the Vols' season a great season, a good season, or a disappointing season? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the Vols' 2021-22 campaign and put a bow on the season before moving fully into offseason mode. Plus, Rick Barnes got an extension and promoted a new assistant coach, a Tennessee player transferred, and Kellie Harper got an extension and rais...
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 81
The Lady Vols picked up another HUGE transfer when former Mississippi State forward Rickea Jackson announced her commitment to Tennessee last week. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Rickea to discuss why she chose Tennessee, her desire to win at the highest level possible, the relationships she already has with several members of the Lady Vols' organization, and much more! You don't want to miss this interview! Check out Rickea's interview with Vol LOG! https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XFYkCcw...
Mar 30, 2022•20 min•Ep. 80
