Vols finally sign another “Guard” today after trading $46.7 million.
Santiago Vescovi, who is set to make his Sweet 16 debut, can’t help but reflect on his path from Uruguay to the University of Tennessee.
Vescovi, who was born in Montevideo, began attending the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City at 16 years old. He then moved to the NBA Global Academy in 2019 and began to put his name on the basketball map there in Canberra, Australia.
Then 17, Vescovi led the NBA Global Academy to the championship in the NBA Academy Games in July 2019. He was also a standout in the G League International Challenge with Uruguay Elite a few months later as one of the youngest players in the event.
He was considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports and eventually fielded scholarship offers from several Division I programs, including Butler, Miami (Fla.), Rutgers and Tennessee.
He eventually committed to the Volunteers in November 2019.
Vescovi led all players in scoring in the G League International Challenge, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals. (Photo via NBA Academy)
Now a senior, Vescovi is a key reason why the Vols are in the Sweet 16.
He was named to the All-SEC first team after averaging 12.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 steals on 37.1% shooting from 3-point range. He finished third in the SEC in 3-pointers (88) and third in 3-point percentage.
Vols coach Rick Barnes commended Vescovi for his overall ability.
Vescovi produced 14 points, five rebounds and five assists to go along with four 3s on Saturday in a 65-52 win over 5-seed Duke in the East Regional. He now has the fourth-most 3-pointers in program history in the NCAA Tournament (15).
He reflected on his journey following the victory.
