By: Dallas Bowlin
Senior Staff Writer
The All Vol Call in Show
20231110
Jonas Aidoo made significant strides from his freshman to sophomore seasons. He went from averaging 2.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game as a freshman to an impressive 5.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in his sophomore year. As his junior season unfolds, Aidoo is poised to follow in the footsteps of Kyle Alexander, who experienced remarkable growth during his time at the University of Tennessee.
In the two exhibition games leading into the 2023-24 season against Michigan State and Lenoir-Rhyne, Aidoo showcased his potential by averaging 11.5 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. In Tennessee's season opener against Tennessee Tech, Aidoo contributed with four points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, resulting in an average across these three games of nine points, six rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Comparing these numbers to the progression of Kyle Alexander at Tennessee, it's evident that Aidoo is on a promising trajectory. Alexander steadily improved his points per game from 1.7 in his freshman season to 3.3 in his sophomore year, 5.6 in his junior year, and an impressive 7.4 points per game in his senior season. Beyond the statistics, Alexander's growth was remarkable, as he transformed from a player with limited basketball experience into a defensive anchor for the Vols, equipped with a respectable offensive game, including a nearly unblockable turnaround jump shot, thanks to his exceptional length.
Similar to Alexander, Aidoo arrived at Tennessee with raw offensive skills but showed defensive prowess, most notably when he blocked three shots and disrupted many more in a standout performance against Oscar Tshiebwe during his freshman year. Now, during the early games of his junior season, Aidoo has displayed a much-improved offensive game. In his sophomore year, Aidoo was somewhat tentative around the rim and rarely dunked the ball. However, during these first three games of his junior season, Aidoo has embraced dunking opportunities. He has also shown a more refined perimeter game, albeit in a limited sample size, having made two of three attempts from three-point range.
If Aidoo continues to enhance his game throughout the season, it will undoubtedly contribute to Tennessee's pursuit of their lofty yet attainable goals. His journey, mirroring that of Kyle Alexander, is a testament to the growth that can occur when hard work, coaching, and a passion for the game align. Tennessee fans have every reason to be excited about Aidoo's potential impact on the court and his promising future.