Tennessee Freshmen Troy Henderson and Dewayne Brown get personal on More Than Hoops.

Knoxville, TN - The latest episode of the Vols Hoops Podcast is one that Tennessee Basketball fans do not want to miss. 

Grant Hurst and Cade Phillips lead a conversation that goes well beyond highlight reels and box scores from 2 non-conference home games during the opening week of the college basketball season. The two Tennessee basketball freshmen open up about their origin stories, mindset, and what it truly means to be part of a program built on legacy, grit, and accountability under head coach Rick Barnes.

The Journey: From Belief to Big Orange

Henderson and Brown’s stories start long before they ever set foot on the court at Thompson-Boling Arena. Both players reflected on the moment it “clicked”  when they realized basketball wasn’t just a dream, but a real path forward.

For Henderson and Brown, it still hasn’t clicked for them that they are living the dream. Even on Tennessee picture day, all he could do was smile.

The first years at guard and forward mention the moment where they looked in the stands at the first home game and saw people holding a cutout of their heads. “The fan base makes it real for us.”

The guys traded stories about late-night gym sessions, practice, summer, the coaches who pushed them, and the moments that tested their confidence. The conversation revealed not just athletic growth, but the mindset that defines every successful college athlete.

Inside Vol Basketball: The Brotherhood and the Grind

When asked what makes Tennessee basketball, Tennessee basketball, both freshmen lit up.

“People don’t see how close we are,” said Henderson. “It’s not just a team, it’s family. Every guy buys in.” Brown added that one of the biggest surprises was how detailed practices can be.

That conversation naturally led to a discussion about the Vols’ new assistant coaches, whose fiery energy and fresh perspective have added a new dynamic to the locker room. The players shared some lighthearted stories and jokes during film sessions. 

The Mental Game: Toughness, Balance, and Mental Health

Cade and Grant didn’t shy away from warning the new guys of the mental side of college basketball yet to come. The pressure, the travel, the expectations.

Cade Phillips gives his advice: “Find joy.” He continues, “People see game day, but not the 6 a.m. lifts, the film, or how you have to reset mentally after a bad game.”

Both players spoke candidly about mental health, acknowledging that the transition to college ball comes with emotional and psychological challenges. Their strategies for staying balanced included journaling, music, and finding peace off the court. 

Coach Barnes, Stability, and the Vols’ Future

With Rick Barnes recently signing a lifetime contract, the conversation turned to what that stability means.

“It’s huge,” said Brown. “You know what you’re signing up for when you come here. It’s consistency, structure, and values.”

Both players emphasized how that stability helps with recruiting and the transfer portal.

When asked what surprised them most about campus life in Knoxville, both laughed. They explained what it’s like when everywhere you go, somebody knows who you are. It’s love.

Game Talk: Lessons from the Opener and What’s Next

The guys also broke down their first game of the season, providing fans with a rare insider's perspective. They reflected on what went right, what needs improvement, and the electric energy of playing in front of a packed Thompson-Boling crowd for the first time.

NBA Inspirations and Hoop Dreams

The NBA season is also back, and the group shared with fans their favorite teams growing up and which players shaped their own styles.

They named Kevin Durant, his footwork, and his patience.

NBA legend Blake Griffin is a favorite for Cade Phillips. The group also shouted out Isaiah Thomas for his “dog mentality.”

When asked about their dream 1v1 matchup across all eras, the room lit up with debate: Jordan vs. Kobe, LeBron vs. KD, Iverson vs. Curry.

The group even dove into NCAA tournament expansion, discussing whether adding teams would enhance competition or dilute the magic of March.

Fast Break: The Fun Stuff

The episode wrapped with a “Fast Break” round that had everyone laughing. A glimpse at the personal side of this team when they all share word association for fellow teammates and coaches. 

By the end of the episode, one thing was clear: Tennessee’s future is in good hands. Troy Henderson and Dwayne Brown embody everything fans love about the Vols. The pair showed us humility, hunger, and love for the brotherhood built on trust and hard work.

Cade and Grant delivered a conversation that wasn’t just entertaining; it was revealing, honest, and deeply human. For Tennessee basketball fans, it’s a must-listen glimpse into the next generation of Vol leaders.