When Rae Burrell went down, the Lady Vols' season went up in the air. Not only has Jordan Horston leveled the ship, but she's taken command. Nathanael Rutherford was joined by guest host Cora Hall of Knox News to discuss the impressive weekend the Lady Vols had in Las Vegas and the elite play of Jordan Horston. Will the Lady Vols end up undefeated or with just 1 loss before the start of SEC play? Should fans be surprised at how great Horston has played to start this season?
Nov 30, 2021•35 min•Ep. 49
Both the Vols and Lady Vols had a phenomenal Sunday afternoon, and the future of the season looks pretty bright for both teams. Nathanael Rutherford was joined by guest host Ryan Schumpert of Rocky Top Insider to discuss the lessons we learned from the Vols' loss to Villanova and win against North Carolina as well as the Lady Vols' comeback victory over Texas. Has UT found a surprising star for the rest of the season? Has the rotation been trimmed down some already? For the Lady Vols, is Jordan ...
Nov 24, 2021•48 min•Ep. 48
Tennessee freshman PG Kennedy Chandler has already turned heads in just a couple games with the Vols, but a head coach of one of UT's recent opponents compared him to one of the best PGs to play in recent years. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss that along with takeaways from the Vols' win over ETSU and UT's big match-up with No. 5 Villanova this Saturday. Plus, the two discuss the Lady Vols' 3-0 start to the season and what to expect without Rae Burrell with a very tough non...
Nov 19, 2021•49 min•Ep. 47
Preseason All-American Rae Burrell went down in the first half of the Lady Vols' first game of the season last week, and she's out indefinitely with an injury. Can Tennessee make some headway in a very tough non-conference schedule without her? Nathanael Rutherford was joined by special guest Cora Hall of Knox News to discuss the Lady Vols' slow start on offense, the road ahead, and who can step up without Burrell in the lineup.
Nov 15, 2021•36 min•Ep. 46
Tennessee's men's basketball team set a new school record for most three-pointers made in a game during their 90-62 victory in their season opener against UT-Martin on Tuesday. Is this the type of offense we should expect for the rest of the season? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley break down what they saw from UT's first win of the season and discuss what they'd like to see adjusted and maintained throughout the rest of the year.
Nov 11, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 45
Welcome to the Lady Vols Basketball Fever Podcast! We are expanding the show and introducing a regular show dedicated to JUST the Lady Vols here on the Vol Basketball Fever Podcast platform. In our debut episode, Nathanael Rutherford is joined by Maria Cornelius, who covers the Lady Vols for GoVols247. Nathanael and Maria break down the Lady Vols' exhibition win over Georgia College and look at why this is Kellie Harper's best roster at UT thus far. Plus, they share their predictions for the sea...
Nov 05, 2021•56 min•Ep. 44
The 2021-22 basketball season is FINALLY almost upon us, so it's time for us to share our predictions for the Vols' season. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley attempt to predict Tennessee's record and postseason fate for the men's basketball team this upcoming season. The two also break down the Vols' performance in Saturday's exhibition and discuss why Kennedy Chandler, UT's post depth, and the three-point offense and defense are all major factors to watch this year.
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 43
The Vols have been practicing the last few weeks and had their Media Day on Tuesday. Nathanael Rutherford welcomed in guest Ryan Schumpert of Rocky Top Insider to talk about what he's seen from Tennessee's practice this preseason and what Rick Barnes had to say on Tuesday's media session. Who has really stood out in practices so far? Is Kennedy Chandler impressing? What about fellow freshman point guard Zakai Zeigler? Is Olivier Nkamhoua ready to crack the starting lineup? Link to Ryan's Tuesday...
Oct 27, 2021•46 min•Ep. 42
Well, it's not Tennessee athletics unless there's a million things to talk about after a week passes. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss the latest news surrounding the report of former UT head football coach Jeremy Pruitt and his lawyer naming Rick Barnes and the basketball program in a fiery letter aimed as part of a lawsuit over wrongful termination. Barnes responded, but there might be some concerning information in that letter for UT hoops. Also, preseason polls and predi...
Oct 21, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 41
Candace Parker is playing for another WNBA title, and her resurgence this year has caught the attention of the basketball world. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss Parker and the Chicago Sky chasing a title and why this one is especially important for the LVFL. They discuss that, other Lady Vol notes, how many players on the current Vols roster will be drafted into the NBA in the coming years, and more! (1:59) - Candace Parker is playing for another WNBA title (15:00) - LVFL N...
Oct 14, 2021•52 min•Ep. 40
Both the Vols and Lady Vols have started practicing now, so the preseason is officially underway in Knoxville. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss some of the early notes from practice for both teams, as well as detailing some intriguing recruiting updates for both squads. Also, we mourn the loss of former Vol basketball player Major Wingate. The former Vol hoops captain passed away on Saturday at the age of 37.
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 39
The Lady Vols didn't have as hectic of an offseason as the men's basketball team, but they had some notable departures and some significant additions still. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley do a roster review for the Lady Vols' 2021-22 team, looking at all the departures, new additions, and position battles for this year's team as Kellie Harper heads into a pivotal 3rd year as head coach.
Sep 28, 2021•54 min•Ep. 38
Tennessee's men's basketball team had a VERY busy offseason, and the Vols' roster and even their coaching staff look significantly different from last season. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley do a roster review for the Vols' 2021-22 team, looking at all the departures, new additions, and position battles for this year's team.
Sep 22, 2021•56 min•Ep. 37
The Vols are a preseason top 10 team...at least according to one publication. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss whether or not Tennessee is being slightly overrated in the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Preseason Top 25 Poll, where UT is ranked No. 10 and second in the SEC. But before that, the guys talk about Cason Wallace's official visit to Knoxville this weekend and Kentucky, Tennessee's main competition for the 5-star, landing another 5-star commit. Link to the Blue Ribb...
Sep 17, 2021•57 min•Ep. 36
It's not time to hit the big red PANIC button just yet, Vol fans. At least, not according to co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley. They discuss why the Vols missing out on 5-star Brandon Miller and possibly missing on 5-star Cason Wallace aren't reasons to freak out about UT's 2022 recruiting class just yet. Plus, both the Vols and Lady Vols have released their 2021-22 schedules, and they look VERY tough. (2:05) - Brandon Miller eliminates the Vols from contention (7:49) - UT sends enti...
Sep 10, 2021•56 min•Ep. 35
On Friday afternoon, the Vols landed New York point guard Zakai Zeigler in the 2021 class, adding him immediately to their roster. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with coaches Peter Wehye and Malcolm Pope of Our Saviour Lutheran School, where Zeigler played, to talk about Tennessee's newest addition. What kind of offensive player is Zeigler? Is he an elite defender? Will his size hold him back?
Aug 30, 2021•24 min•Ep. 34
It looks like Tennessee is on the cusp of adding yet another player to their roster for this upcoming season. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley break down the impending decision of a talented point guard out of the Bronx who just finished visiting the Vols. Also, Emoni Bates just committed to Memphis, giving the Tigers another very talented player. Now both Memphis and the Vols have two of the top recruiting classes in the 2021 cycle, which makes this season's match-up in Nashville e...
Aug 26, 2021•45 min•Ep. 33
It's the dog days of the offseason, but we found some things to talk about! Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss a five-star including the Vols in his top 3 and his upcoming official visit to UT, players who came to UT with high expectations but never reached them, Kyle Alexander showing out in the NBA Summer League, and more!
Aug 20, 2021•59 min•Ep. 32
The Vols are in a heated battle with their top rival, the Kentucky Wildcats, for a 5-star recruit. Can UT hold them off? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss that and a bevy of topics in this week's episode. Yves Pons officially signs with the Memphis Grizzlies, Grant Williams gets a big honor, who takes the last shot in a close game for the Vols and Lady Vols, and more! (1:36) - Yves Pons signs with the Grizz (8:23) - Grant Williams is a Vice President (19:22) - An Olympic Bask...
Aug 12, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 31
For only the second time in program history, Tennessee had a pair of teammates taken in the 1st round of the NBA Draft. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discussed both Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer being selected in the 1st round of the 2021 NBA Draft and what it means for both players and UT. The two also discuss if either player actually would've helped their draft stock if they had returned to UT for another season. Plus, the Vols landed 7-footer Handje Tamba last week. Is he t...
Aug 04, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 30
Tennessee added yet another big body to their 2021 class on Tuesday when Knoxville Catholic center Handje Tamba announced his commitment to the Vols. The 7-footer also announced he would be reclassifying from the 2022 class to the 2021 class, meaning he's immediately eligible for UT this upcoming season. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Knox Catholic assistant basketball coach Geraud Hall once again to discuss what Vol fans should expect from Tamba and what the big 7-foot center brings to Tenn...
Jul 28, 2021•45 min•Ep. 29
It looks like the SEC will be adding Texas and Oklahoma to the conference in the near future. Almost all the talk about the SEC expansion has been about football, but how does this affect Tennessee in men's and women's basketball? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley give their thoughts on what could change with the Vols and Lady Vols with two (or more?) additions to the SEC. Plus, the 2021 NBA Draft is this week. Where will Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer get drafted, and will Yves Pon...
Jul 27, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 28
We learned about some interesting updates on Tennessee's men's basketball roster this week, so we wanted to talk about that. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley shared their thoughts on a couple reports about some of the Vols' newcomers in men's hoops. Before that, the two dished on Tennessee's tough non-conference schedule and whether it's good for the team for this upcoming season. Time Stamps (1:19) - Is Tennessee's tough non-conference schedule good or bad? (33:21) - Are Vol fans i...
Jul 22, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 27
Both of Tennessee's head basketball coaches received contract extensions on Tuesday. Rick Barnes and Kellie Harper received two-year extensions to their deals at UT, and co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discussed those deals and how it reflects upon the Vols and Lady Vols. Plus, Olivier Nkamhoua had a strong showing this past week with Finland's national team. Is that a sign he'll have a "breakout year" as a Vol this season? 2:42 - Rick Barnes' extension and what it means for UT's f...
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 26
Last week, Tennessee picked up a commitment from elite in-state point guard BJ Edwards. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley break down why landing Edwards at this point in the 2022 cycle is a big deal, and why there are larger ramifications to his commitment than you may realize. Plus, how much do the Vols and Lady Vols stand to gain from the NIL, and which player will be UT's leading scorer this upcoming season?
Jul 08, 2021•54 min•Ep. 25
Tennessee landed one of their top 2022 targets on Thursday when 4-star in-state point guard BJ Edwards of Knoxville Catholic announced his commitment to the Vols. Nathanael Rutherford sat down with Knox Catholic assistant basketball coach Geraud Hall to discuss Edwards' commitment and break down what kind of player and person Tennessee is getting from the talented point guard.
Jul 02, 2021•45 min•Ep. 24
It's been reported that Rick Barnes is set to get a raise and extension with Tennessee this offseason. Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley share their thoughts on the news and discuss whether the raise and extension are warranted and what it means for the Vols. Plus, UT just had a couple more high profile recruits wrap up official visits to campus. Should Vol fans be expecting any commitments sometime soon?
Jun 30, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 23
Does Tennessee have a set plan in recruiting moving forward, or are they taking the best available prospects and working it out later? Is that good for the Vols' future roster construction, or is it going to lead to problems? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley debate that topic as well as covering the Vols taking on Texas in the Big 12/SEC Challenge this upcoming season and UT's players showing out at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine.
Jun 25, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 22
Three Tennessee players are set to participate in the 2021 NBA Draft Combine. Which of those players can help or hurt their stock the most during the event? Plus, is it more important for a coach like Rick Barnes or John Calipari to be able to sell recruits that he's sent multiple players to the league or that he's won multiple titles in college? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss all that as well as some updated recruiting news for the Vols.
Jun 16, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 21
What is Tennessee's ideal recruiting haul for the 2022 cycle? What's the most realistic scenario for the Vols' 2022 class? Co-hosts Nathanael Rutherford and Gene Henley discuss that along with the Vols' most recent high-profile visitors and targets in the cycle. Plus, the Lady Vols and UConn are continuing their rivalry in women's hoops. That's a good thing, right?
Jun 09, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 20
