Why Tennessee basketball needs more from DeWayne Brown II vs Kentucky

Freshman forward DeWayne Brown II has simple orders for the rest of the season.

“Get your “blank” in gear,” said Tennessee basketball assistant coach Gregg Polinsky.

Rick Barnes and the Tennessee coaching staff weren’t thrilled with Brown’s energy following the Vols’ 87-82 double-overtime win against Texas A&M at Food City Center on Jan. 13.

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Tennessee improved to 12-5 overall and 2-2 in SEC play following the victory. It hosts Kentucky (11-6, 2-2) on Jan. 17 (12 p.m., ET, ESPN) at Food City Center.

“DeWayne has done really well for a freshman,” Polinsky said. “He’s probably exceeded what we thought initially. But what I try to tell him is, if you don’t feel uncomfortable cardio-wise when you’re out there, you’re not doing your job. You got to get to a certain level of cardio toughness where your uncomfortable has to be the new comfortable.”

Brown first joined the starting lineup in Tennessee’s win over Louisville on Dec. 16, but the 6-foot-8 forward only logged five minutes against the Aggies. Brown sat early in the game and only briefly came back in for a minute in the second half.

“He’s got to be a factor because the guy is physically skilled, but he’s not going to wow you with vertical lift at the rim and all that,” Polinsky said. “He’s got to do it with great feet, great hands and great effort.

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“He’s not Secretariat. He’s not going to pass everybody down the stretch. He’s got to come out and try to win that race wire-to-wire.”

Barnes has been critical of the entire Vols’ front court, and the lack of consistency, since the start of SEC play.

“It’s tough because Coach Barnes, he expects 100% out of you every day,” said sophomore forward J.P. Estrella. “I’m kind of just trying to bring that energy every single day and learn every single day, that’s probably my biggest thing right now. Just trying to do whatever he wants me to do so we can win.”

Tennessee basketball’s close history vs Kentucky

The Vols lost twice in the regular season against Kentucky last…

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Publish date : 2026-01-16 16:18:00

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