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SEC: What To Expect From Tennessee’s Josh Richardson

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Feb 2, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josh Richardson (1) dribbles the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Coty Clarke (4) during a game at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Tennessee 73-60. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josh Richardson (1) dribbles the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Coty Clarke (4) during a game at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Tennessee 73-60. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the greatest gifts a college basketball team can give to its program is a senior. On the court, there is nothing more important than having valuable leadership and experience from a veteran who has endured a number of problems and situations.

Dec 18, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josh Richardson (1) moves the ball against the Presbyterian Blue Hose during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josh Richardson (1) moves the ball against the Presbyterian Blue Hose during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

One of Tennessee’s leaders, Josh Richardson, is ready to have a super senior season.

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I recently wrote a

story

about another senior Jarvis Summers, who has enough talent to win the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year. Similar to Summers, Richardson also is in the running to win the SEC Player of the Year award.

Last season, the SEC Defensive selection Richardson had his share of valleys and peaks during the year.

Simply put, on offense he was inconsistent.

Against ranked competition, Richardson routinely scored in single digits and did not have an impact on the game. Because of this against ranked teams last season, the Vols were 0-5.

The only game that Richardson scored in double figures during a ranked opponent was against the number three ranked Florida Gators. Richardson finished with 13 points.

Thankfully, Richardson owed his teammates and made it up during the NCAA tournament when the lights shined the brightest. His lowest scoring game in the 2014 NCAA tournament was 15 points and his team made it to the Sweet 16.

Mar 21, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josh Richardson (1) shoots the ball against Massachusetts Minutemen guard Chaz Williams (3) in the first half of a men
Mar 21, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josh Richardson (1) shoots the ball against Massachusetts Minutemen guard Chaz Williams (3) in the first half of a men’s college basketball game during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

With Jarnell Stokes and Jordan McRae departing Tennessee to play professional basketball, the leadership responsibility is on the shoulders of Richardson. His teammates are going to rely on his ability often in games.

In order to take the next step in his game, he has to have more consistency. Last year Richardson had 16 games where he scored in single digits.

Offensively, the part of Richardson’s game that people can admire is that when he is taking good shots and getting to the free throw line, he looks like one of the best scorers in the country.

As many times as you heard the announcer say money, in this highlight above is how cash is jump shot is. Richardson can play, and at a high level next season hopefully we will get to see that.

However, when his shot is not falling it does not diminish the impact that Richardson has on the court. He is a better defender than he is a scorer.

The SEC All Defensive Team standout finished second in steals with 27, and third in blocks swatting 30 shots for the Vols.  The 6’6″ guard also led the Tennessee Vols in blocks 12 times last year.

In addition, one of the highlights last season defensively was Richardson faced the second leading scorer in the SEC Auburn’s Chris Denson. In the game Richardson took shut him down and held Denson to only three points. Before the game, Denson averaged more than 19 points a game.

Next season when his offense catches up with his defense Richardson is going to have one of the most quietly good seasons next year.

Be prepared.