The Tennessee Vols have had an incredible season so far with Dalton Knecht leading the way as a potential national player of the year candidate. Zakai Zeigler is also playing like one of the top point guards in the nation.
A number of other players have stepped up as major contributors this year, including center Jonas Aidoo and reserve big man Tobe Awaka.
As a result, senior guard Santiago Vescovi's impact on the stat sheet isn't quite what it was in previous years. However, don't let that fool you into thinking he's not still a major part of the team.
That was evident on Saturday night in the Vols' 81-74 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. With the Vols leading 70-65 with just over three minutes to play and the game in a media timeout, the broadcast cameras caught Vescovi on the bench with the players and Rick Barnes around him holding a clipboard and marker while addressing the team.
The move speaks volumes about Barnes' trust in his veteran guard and further exemplifies the good teammate and leader that Vescovi has been. His minutes per game average is down by seven this season. His shots per game and points per game are also the lowest of his career.
But make no mistake. Vescovi is still having a significant impact on the court as evidenced on Saturday against Alabama. The lightning quick guard managed to force a game-high 3 steals to go with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Vescovi has undoubtedly given his all as a Volunteer and has been a part of unprecedented success of the Tennessee basketball team, including its first SEC tournament title in over 4 decades. It would be fitting for him to finish his career by helping the Vols reach the program's first ever Final Four.
It appears he's willing to do whatever it takes for that to happen, either with the ball or a marker in his hand.
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