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Freshman Davonte Gaines makes his presence known for Vols

Tennessee Athletics photo by Maury Neipris / Tennessee guard Davonte Gaines practices in June. The 6-foot-7 freshman has dealt with a wrist injury while preparing for his first season with the Vols.
Tennessee Athletics photo by Maury Neipris / Tennessee guard Davonte Gaines practices in June. The 6-foot-7 freshman has dealt with a wrist injury while preparing for his first season with the Vols. Tennessee Athletics photo by Maury Neipris / Tennessee guard Davonte Gaines practices in June. The 6-foot-7 freshman has dealt with a wrist injury while preparing for his first season with the Vols.

By Times Free Press Staff 3 min read

KNOXVILLE – The Tennessee men’s basketball roster is relatively young and largely lacking experience.

But it’s also long and filled with potential, which makes performances like the one Davonte Gaines had in the season opener against UNC Asheville so promising.

Because the team is going to need them.

The 6-foot-7 Gaines played only 10 minutes against the Bulldogs but was productive with nine points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal in the 78-63 win. He’ll be looking for similar contributions when the Volunteers (1-0) host Murray State at 9 p.m. Tuesday at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Gaines also had a “freshman moment” late in the win, being whistled for a technical foul after slapping the backboard following his first dunk as a Volunteer.