Another Crack at Point Guard Depth--Darius Thompson Commits to Tennessee

One of the most glaring needs for Tennessee in the past two seasons has been a point guard. Trae Golden has provided some excellent performances, but he's always seemed like a combo guard trying to play the point, and the results were uneven. And when Bad Trae showed up, Tennessee's options have been Wes Washpun, Skylar McBee, Armani Moore, and Jordan McRae. Not exactly ideal.

Today, it looks like Tennessee has found a point guard, as 3* Murfreesboro combo guard Darius Thompson has committed to Tennessee. Thompson is listed as a combo guard, but he plays the point in high school and is expected to come in and back up Trae Golden as a freshman.

Thompson is lauded for his basketball IQ and court vision and is considered a good ball-handler and shooter. At 6'4", he'll also provide length on defense, although at 175, he'll probably need to bulk up.

Thompson was previously committed to Vanderbilt but de-committed in order to more thoroughly investigate Tennessee--Cuonzo Martin does not recruit players committed elsewhere. He was also pursued by Virginia, Purdue, North Carolina State, and most of the upper mid-level SEC teams.

If Thompson signs as planned in April, this will put Tennessee one over the scholarship limit, pending offseason attrition. Speculation is that the Vols may try to part ways with signee Travon Landry, another point guard who committed over a year but had a disappointing senior season, averaging 2.8 points and 2.7 assists per game, but it is at this point nothing more.

Welcome to the Vol family, Darius!