Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer, the two Tennessee Volunteers that were drafted in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft. It was only the second time ever in Vols history that two players were drafted in the first round. The only other time this feat has happened was in 1977 when Bernard King was drafted 7th overall by the New Jersey Nets and Ernie Grunfeld was taken 11th by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Keon Johnson was the first Vol to be selected and he went 21st overall to the New York Knicks but that pick had been traded and so Johnson will be heading to the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s an incredibly freakish athlete from the guard position and you can never have too many incredible athletes so I like this pick from that perspective but Johnson will have to improve his shooting if he wants to make a true impact at the next level. In his one year at Rocky Top, the Shelbyville, TN native averaged just over 11 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, a steal, shot 44% from the field, and just 27% from three.
The moment the Tennessee Kid heard his name called at the #NBADraft.
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📲 https://t.co/I2H3a9Et0s pic.twitter.com/h0J4YOgd0o— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) July 30, 2021
As for the other Tennessee guard, Jaden Springer burst onto the scene in 2020-2021 for the Volunteers and at times really carried their stagnant offense. He was drafted 28th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers and that’ll give them a true point guard, although it may take him a year or two to really get his NBA legs under him. However, this Charlotte, NC kid can do a lot of things well and I’d characterize him as a pure basketball player. In his one year with the Vols, he averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, shot 47% from the field, 81% from the foul line, and an impressive 43.5% from three.
Dream realized!#NBADraft
📺 ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
📲 https://t.co/I2H3a9Et0s pic.twitter.com/jsvzpzuFku— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) July 30, 2021
Even though it was a disappointing ending to the season for the Tennessee Volunteers last year it’s good to see these two young men have their dreams come true. Congratulations and best of luck at the next level to these two outstanding guys.
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