FEBRUARY 22, 2023•KNOXNEWS.COM
Knoxville News SentinelHere are the five basketball teams that surprised Knox News with how successful of a season they had.
Tobe Awaka - Near double-double off benchAwaka accumulated 10 points (3-3 FG, 4-5 FT), seven rebounds and one steal over 26 minutes during Tuesday's 68-63 loss to Texas A&M.
ImpactThe freshman was very productive off the bench despite losing to Texas A&M on Tuesday. The forward was three rebounds shy of a double-double and had a tied season-high 10 points while maintaining a perfect field goal percentage on three shot attempts. Awaka has proven to perform when he is given the opportunity, but expect him to continue to have a bench role for the Volunteers.
FEBRUARY 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Zakai Zeigler - Shooting strugglees in lossZeigler accumulated 14 points (6-17 FG, 2-11 3Pt), one rebound, four assists and two steals in 34 minutes during Tuesday's 68-63 loss to Texas A&M.
ImpactThe senior struggled from the field shooting 18.2 percent from the three-point line and 35.3 percent from the field on 17 field goal attempts. Despite the poor shooting performance, the guard still reached 14 points and four assists in Tuesday's loss. Zeigler is averaging 10.9 points and 5.3 assists with three games remaining before the conference tournament.
FEBRUARY 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Julius Marble - Season-high 21 points in winMarble accumulated 21 points (6-10 FG, 9-13 FT) and nine rebounds over 33 minutes during Tuesday's 68-63 win over Tennessee.
ImpactThe junior reached a season-high 21 points which helped lead the Aggies to defeat Tennessee on Tuesday. Marble was able to accomplish this on an impressive 60 percent shooting from the field in 34 minutes played. The forward is now averaging 9.7 points this season and he should continue to show his offensive capability before the start of the SEC tournament.
FEBRUARY 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Tyrece Radford - Logs 10 points in winRadford registered 10 points (4-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal across 30 minutes during Tuesday's 68-63 win over Tennessee.
ImpactThe senior reached double-digits for the 10th straight game in Tuesday's win over Tennessee. The guard is now averaging 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds this season with three games remaining for the Aggies. Expect Radford to continue to be a force as he has shown the capability to perform at a high-level all year.
FEBRUARY 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Wade Taylor - Impresses in winTaylor logged 25 points (4-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 16-17 FT), three rebounds, one assist and four steals across 37 minutes during Tuesday's 68-63 victory over Tennessee.
ImpactThe sophomore has been lights out in his last five games, averaging 21.8 points which has helped extend the Aggies win streak to six. Expect Taylor to continue to be the number one scoring option for Texas A&M as the team looks to make a strong finish to the season.
FEBRUARY 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Julian Phillips - Unable to suit up againPhillips (hip) did not play in Tuesday's 68-63 loss to Texas A&M.
ImpactDespite his ability to warm up prior to Tuesday's contest versus the Aggies, Phillips ultimately missed his third consecutive matchup as a result of a hip injury. The 6-foot-8 freshman's next chance to take the floor now comes Saturday against South Carolina.
FEBRUARY 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE
