Josiah-Jordan James raves about physicality of teammate Tobe Awaka

Josiah-Jordan James was the only Volunteer that could get things going on offense in their most recent game versus Auburn, where Tennessee defeated the Tigers 46-43 in an SEC slugfest. James ended the game with 15 points and 14 rebounds, a career-high in rebounding for him and his first double-double of the season. He was the only Tennessee player to score in double figures, but he wasn’t the only one to make an impact, as he spoke about teammate Tobe Awaka following the win.

“Everything about Tobe is physical. The way he walks, the way he talks, he’s just a physical human being,” James said.

Awaka is averaging just 8.1 minutes per game off the bench in his freshman season, but has been making the most of his minutes with his physical brand of basketball. Which James seems to believe is more reminiscent of a linebacker versus a forward.

“He’s a big dude and like I was telling the guys on the court I’ve never been around somebody who just, like I think he should’ve played football, I’m really surprised that he didn’t,” James said. “But he’s a smart guy he doesn’t want the head injuries and things like that. But he brought everything, I think, like a football player would do and brought that to the game of basketball.”

He was an unranked prospect out of Cardinal Hayes High School in New York that wasn’t heavily recruited, receiving just 12 offers out of high school. In his freshman season for the Vols, he’s found his role and played it, establishing himself as a physical enforcer on the defensive end of the floor.

“And his play style, his physicality, that’s what we need from him and he brings an enforcer type guy like Uros (Plavsic) does where we know that Tobe one-on-one we’re taking Tobe every day of the week. Just because of the way he practices, he’s always gonna put his body on the line, he’s always gonna give 100%, and that’s what we need out of everybody but especially Tobe,” James said.

Awaka had two points, four rebounds, and a block against Auburn, but has had a handful of impressive outings this season for the Volunteers. He had a career-high 10 points versus Georgia four games ago, and also a career-high 11 rebounds in a non-conference game versus Austin Peay. His best all around performance may have been at the Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational versus Maryland where he seven points and eight rebounds, but also recorded an assist, a steal, and a block.

It’s clear that Awaka’s play style has garnered the respect of his teammates, as he’ll put his physicality on display once again in their next game versus Vanderbilt on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.