Justin Gainey explains Tobe Awaka's increased playing time

Tennessee freshman forward Tobe Awaka has had an up-and-down season in terms of minutes played for the Volunteers.

Awaka is averaging 8.1 minutes per game on the season. But in four of Tennessee’s past six games, he has played at least 10 minutes. That includes this past weekend’s 46-43 victory over Auburn.

Assistant head coach Justin Gainey said during a press conference Monday there are two reasons for Awaka’s increase in minutes.

“His defense has been really good,” Gainey said. “He’s a physical presence. He’s probably one of the strongest guys on the team so you talk about low post defense, it’s going to be hard to move him around and get deep post up on him. He will go and try to protect the rim and shot block. On the defensive side of the ball, he continues to improve.”

Awaka is averaging 3.2 points and 3.1 rebounds on 62.2% shooting.

Justin Gainey adds Tobe Awaka is a ‘force’ in the post

It is not just Tobe Awaka’s defense that has resulted in his minutes increase over the last few weeks, Justin Gainey.

He said he is also finding himself in good positions on offense to succeed.

“Then offensively again, he’s strong,” Gainey said. “He posts up low. He posts up deep. He’s a force on that low block. Those two things have allowed him to be able to see more minutes and add more depth to our inside game.”