Jahmai Mashack highlighting shooting as area of improvement in offseason

Jahmai Mashack already has his reputation for what he is as a basketball player. Now, as he goes into the offseason before his senior season next year, he wants to become an all-around contributor by becoming more of an asset on the offensive end.

Mashack discussed his development plan during a media availability in mid-April. He started by noting his shooting as a clear area of improvement for him. It’s something he wants to add to his game for himself and for the team.

“I think, obviously, shooting,” said Mashack. “I think shooting is a separator for everybody. You can never be too good of a shooter. So always, always working on shooting always.”

“I feel like that just – it provides so much to the game and it really puts a lot of detail into what different options and different lineups you can use.”

Mashack has gradually improved his percentages over the course of his career in Knoxville. After starting at 41.2% from the field and 33.3% from three as a freshman, he shot 44.8% overall and 35.9% from distance as a junior this past year at Tennessee. It’s still on low volume in total shot attempts but it’s been growth nonetheless.

Mashack continued by adding that his all-around offensive game is what he wants to build on. Pairing that with his defensive presence is what can turn a solid player into a better one as a whole.

“I think, also, ball-handling and finishing is going to be a big key for me too,” Mashack added.

“Being able to score the ball at a consistent basis, being able to score more with being able to guard at the level that I’m guarding, which is, I feel like, going to be the biggest thing for me,” said Mashack. “Obviously, I know that I’m a good defender and I want to become an even better defender. But, if I can match my defending with my offensive ability, it’s no telling how far I can go and how much I can bring this team.”

Mashack has been very impactful on the defensive side of the ball in a program that prides itself on that. Still, offensively, he hasn’t provided as much at just 3.5 points and 1.1 assists. That’s not sure to cut it for a roster that has lost some key pieces from over the last few years going into next season.

More offensive growth is what Mashack is shooting for before his senior year. That will be what can evolve him into an even more legitimate contributor for the Volunteers come tip-off in the winter.

“Like I said, shooting is going to be the big one,” Mashack said.

“Playing with pace, ball-handling, finishing. Really just upping my points per game, upping my scoring attempts, and staying confident with my offensive game? Man, it’s going to go a long way with this team,” said Mashack. “Trust me.”