KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Now that Jarnell Stokes is finding his identity as a player, Tennessee opponents could find themselves with plenty more bumps and bruises.
Stokes, who is 6-foot-8 and 270 pounds, didn't always play the type of game that best suited his physical skills. Stokes said he has since learned to throw his weight around in the paint and that he's looking forward to "being more of a bully" this season.
Stokes averaged 9.6 points and 7.4 rebounds last year after joining the team at midseason. Having the sophomore forward for a full season could help Tennessee return to the NCAA tournament after a one-year absence.
The Volunteers, who open the season November 9 against Kennesaw State, return six of their top seven scorers from a team that went 19-15 last year.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
