COMMENTARY: Brown finds his voice for new basketball teammates

A lot of pressure is being put on DeWayne Brown II before the Tennessee men’s basketball team ever officially begins its season.

After a third straight trip to the Elite Eight, the Volunteers were stunned by a mass exodus of the program. Only Brown and Troy Henderson, both of whom were freshman last year, remained.

Advertisement

It’s not like either was an outspoken component who could command a room the moment they walked in. Instead, they realized their place among last year’s veteran-laden team and were content with dealing with that role.

Now, all of a sudden, with a roster full of transfer portal veterans, along with top-notch incoming freshman talent, Brown is being looked to be a voice of experience when it comes to how the program is supposed to function.

While talking with the media lately, Vols assistant coach Gregg Polinsky talked about the transition Brown was forced to make. Polinsky compared Brown’s voice this year to last. 

“Night and day,” Polinsky said. “What we asked of DeWayne early in (the summer), ‘You’re not a loud guy. You don’t have to be (former standout leaders) Zakai (Zeigler) or Jahmai Mashack or Santiago Vescovi or Josiah (Jordan James). Literally, their decibel level is higher. We’ll take care of that with coach (Rick Barnes). 

Advertisement

“What you have to do is talk to these guys. You do it in your way. You do it in your personality type. You’re smart. You’ve gotta read all these personalities in the room. What’s the best way to address them? What’s the best way to connect?’ You’ve gotta read all the personalities in the room. What’s the best way to address them?’

“He has to get them to maximize their potential. I think he’s done an awesome job. DeWayne has taken a huge jump, not just as a basketball player but as a human being. That young man has taken a step.”

Guys like Juke Harris (Wake Forest), Terrence Hill (VCU), Dai Dai Ames (Kansas State), Tyler Lundblade (SMU), Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame), Braeden Lue (Kennesaw State), Christian Fermin…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/commentary-brown-finds-voice-basketball-113214774.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-07-16 11:32:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.