Tennessee forward Dewayne Brown made one thing clear when reflecting on his decision to return for his sophomore season.
“I like being here. This is where I want to be,” Brown said. “It really wasn’t a hard decision for me … I like coach (Rick Barnes), I like the program, I like what Tennessee stands for.”
That certainty provides stability for a Volunteers program undergoing significant roster turnover. Brown is one of just two returning players after helping Tennessee reach the Elite Eight last season. Now, his role is set to expand both on and off the court.
Brown said the message from Barnes and the staff during exit meetings has already shifted toward leadership.
“I got to come in, kind of be a leader, as one of the only two returners from last year,” Brown said. “I kind of know what it takes to get there.”
His freshman season offered valuable experience. The forward played in 35 games with 10 starts and averaged 3.6 rebounds a game.
Barnes said retaining Brown was a priority.
“We certainly appreciate his loyalty,” Barnes said. “From the time he sat down, he said, ‘This is where I want to be.’ … I think it’s going to break out here for him.”
Brown expects his on-court role to grow within a similar framework, but with more production.
“I got to be a dog,” he said. “Be more aggressive on the rebounds. I got to be able to get buckets.”
With a roster filled by newcomers, Brown’s presence could be crucial this summer as the team adjusts to a demanding Rick Barnes system.
“Somebody’s got to carry culture,” new assistant coach Earl Grant said. “It’s nice to be able to go in the locker room after hard work and say something about the culture based on your experience.”
Brown said early returns from the new group have been encouraging.
“It’s definitely very exciting,” he said. “We got a lot of good guys… guys who can score the ball, defend, kind of do everything we need.”
As Tennessee builds another new-look roster, Brown’s growth into a leadership role could help determine how quickly the Volunteers come together.
Of course he’ll do so along side the only other returner in freshman guard, Troy Henderson.
“We just got to kind embrace that type of thing. We got to be ready for it. Because as a player that’s kind of what everybody wants, is to be able to lead a team.”
