Santiago Vescovi was one of the best offensive players for the Vols last season.
The 6-foot-3 guard from Uruguay made his Tennessee debut against LSU on January 4, scoring 18 points on 6-for-9 from the three-point line.
Vescovi came in and gave the Vols a spark that was much needed. He was always thinking one step ahead of the play and did the little things to help the offense flow. Despite struggling with the speed of SEC play, Vescovi was a playmaker who could shoot lights out. He was a key to success after the Vols lost Lamonte Turner for the season due to a shoulder injury.
#Vols guard Santiago Vescovi speaking with the media: I already have experienced a big change in my body and my game. I’m much quicker, I’m leaner. That’s really going to help me on defense. I can go by guys on offense now, too.
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) October 27, 2020
It was hard to expect a freshman, let alone one that came in mid-season, to shoot over 60% from beyond the arc.
During the next two games, Vescovi shot 4-for-9 from deep before going on a bit of a slide.
On Tuesday, Vescovi spoke to the media and said, “I’ve been working a lot on my three-point shot. I feel way better than I did last semester. I feel way better shooting right now.”
This is scary.
Tennessee sophomore guard Santiago Vescovi said during Tuesday zoom interview that he was able to play pickup games 3-4 times a week in Uruguay and he worked on his fitness with a trainer and his shooting, and lost weight to improve his quickness so he can `guard quicker guards.’
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) October 27, 2020
Vescovi finished the season shooting at a 36% clip from the three-point line. In SEC play only the percentage improved slightly to 36.8%.
Sometimes you know when a shot isn’t going in, but with Vescovi, it seemed like every attempt had a chance.
Tennessee added a pair of five-star studs in Jaden Springer, and Keon Johnson can control the basketball. Transfer from Oregon, Victor Bailey Jr can handle the point guard position as well.
Having additional guards will only free Vescovi for more three-point attempts.
If Vescovi believes he is shooting the ball better and more shots are indeed falling, Tennessee will be really good.
Who knows what this Covid season will hold, but the Vols have a Final Four roster.
