With Jeronne Maymon entering his senior campaign and Jarnell Stokes having flirted with the idea of entering the NBA Draft this past spring before deciding to return for his junior year, the Tennessee Volunteers needed to add more front court talent for the future.
Cuonzo Martin and his staff have done just that, as two of their four 2014 verbal commitments have the size (and talent) needed to help the Vols compete in the paint in the SEC. First there was power forward Phil Cofer, and on Sunday Madison (Ga.) power forward CJ Turman announced his decision to commit to Tennessee.
In addition to Cofer, the 6-9, 235-pound Turman joins point guard Larry Austin and shooting guard Jordan Cornish in the Volunteers’ 2014 recruiting class.
So what kind of player is Tennessee getting? According to Justin Young of Hoopseen.com, Turman has the physical build needed to play a role similar to the one Stokes currently plays.For the Vols, the team is looking for a big-body to take over the role that will eventually be left by Jarnell Stokes, another beast of a big man.
“They like the way I rebound, block shots and run the floor,” Turman said. “I can see myself doing all of those things for (the Vols).”
Tennessee welcomes four newcomers into the program this fall but just one of those players factors into the post rotation (junior college transfer Rawane Ndiaye), with Robert Hubbs III and Darius Thompson being guards and A.J. Davis listed as a guard/forward.
Due to this and the aforementioned possibilities regarding Maymon and Stokes, it was important for the Vols that they added some quality interior depth.
Consider that mission to be accomplished.
