Tennessee guard Josh Richardson (1) drives against Pikeville guard Jackson Hussey (10) in the first half of their exhibition basketball game Monday night in Knoxville. Richardson, the Vols’ senior leader, played point guard much of the game, and his team pulled away in the second half against the NAIA’s second-ranked team.KNOXVILLE — Josh Richardson always knew he was going to have to be the guy this season for Tennessee’s new-look basketball team.
It turns out he may have to be the point guard, too.
The senior and primary holdover from the last season’s Sweet 16 run made his debut as Josh Richardson the Point Guard on Monday at Thompson-Boling Arena, and the Volunteers overcame a sloppy start to run away with an 80-62 exhibition win against the University of Pikeville, the No. 2-ranked team in the NAIA preseason poll.
“I just like the ring of ‘Josh Richardson the Hooper,'” he said with his usual carefree grin. “But either way you want to put it.”
Six minutes into the debut of new coach Donnie Tyndall, the Vols were trailing 15-6, and by the 12-minute mark of the first half Tennessee had more turnovers (six) than made baskets (five). Richardson, who was a big part of the Vols’ NCAA tournament surge under Cuonzo Martin last March, had three of the giveaways.