Shoulder surgery to sideline Prince until August

Tennessee junior wing J.P. Prince is headed for another offseason of rehabilitation after undergoing arthroscopic reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder Thursday.

Prince, who had a similar procedure performed on his left shoulder last season, isn't expected to be cleared to play until August.

UT trainer Chad Newman said Prince will be out of contact drills for three to four months, meaning he will not participate in the Pilot Rocky Top Basketball League in June.

The 6-foot-7 Prince experienced pain in his right shoulder throughout last season but still led the Vols with a .572 field goal percentage and 47 steals.

"It's a setback, but we've seen when J.P. is healthy how productive of a player he is for us,'' UT assistant coach Jason Shay said. "This will make him healthier next season, and it's something that had to be done.''

Prince also ranked third on the team with 97 assists and averaged 9.9 points and 4.2 rebounds.

Shay said Prince should be more efficient with most of his minutes next season focused at small forward.

Other UT players who could get time at the position are Tyler Smith - should he elect to return for his senior season instead of the NBA draft - Renaldo Woolridge, Josh Tabb and Cameron Tatum.

Prince absorbed playing time at point guard last season, but that won't necessarily be the case with incoming junior college prospect Melvin Goins added to the mix.

"The 'three' is more natural for J.P.,'' Shay said. "He's a little more crafty with the ball than most swingmen, because he can go to the basket or make plays.''

Further Along: Shay said the Vols are better off than they were a year ago at this time simply because of the experience the five newcomers gained last season.

"The players know what to expect now from us as coaches, and their bodies should be able to better handle the rigor of our practices,'' Shay said. "There's been a different approach as far as the coaches are concerned in how we've attacked this offseason. They've responded really well and we've made strides to be a better basketball team.''

Return To Press: Shay said Prince's experience in the press will pay dividends, as many of the players who came in last season still have much to learn in that area.

"We have to get back to re-teaching pressure,'' Shay said. "We still have five guys who really never pressed, and it's six if you include Cam (Tatum) who didn't really do it for any length of time.

"Pressing has always been our staple, and we should be better equipped to do some of that this season.''

Tickets Remain: A limited number of seats remain available for the postseason banquet to be held next Thursday at the Knoxville Marriott starting at 5:30 p.m.

UT coach Bruce Pearl will review the 2008-09 season and various awards will be handed out.

Tickets for the event are $40 per person or $360 for a table of 10 and can be purchased by calling 865-974-1734.