Coach Excited By Ralph Scott’s Potential
University of Tennessee assistant coach Gregg Polinsky believes Ralph Scott has the attributes to become an important player for the Volunteers after adding significant strength over the past year.
“And even though Ralph is still lean, he’s put on about 20, 25 pounds,” Polinsky told On3.
“He looks so much different than this time a year ago. And we saw the potential.”
Polinsky said the 6ft 9ins wing, who has a reported 7ft 2ins wingspan, has the frame to continue adding strength.
“He’s got a high ceiling,” Polinsky said. “His frame is great. Looking at him, he’s going to be able to add more muscle mass.”
Scott, who signed with Tennessee from IMG Academy in Florida, was rated the No 77 overall prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking for the 2026 class.
Polinsky said Tennessee’s coaches had encouraged Scott to play with greater confidence and be more assertive.
“Ralph was always a guy that deferred to other people,” Polinsky said.
“I think what our message has been to him is, ‘You got to think that you’re one of the guys. This deferring stuff is over. You are talented. Start to play to your ability.’”
Polinsky also highlighted Scott’s shooting touch and athleticism, saying he had quickly adapted to changes in his shooting technique.
“He shoots it pretty well,” Polinsky said. “[His shot is] not as consistent as we’d like. Coach [Rick Barnes] started working with him on a high release, and he picked it up really quick.
“So, you add that to his size, his skillset, he’s an athlete to go with it. He just doesn’t know how good he could be in any context of the game yet, so I think the ceiling is high for him.”
Scott said he was adapting to the demands of Division I basketball after arriving from IMG Academy.
“I’m getting used to the team,” he said. “Getting used to the system and how we play, style of play. It’s a lot to get used to but really enjoying it and appreciating the opportunity.”
The Bermudian said the belief shown in him by Tennessee’s coaches had boosted his confidence.
“The fact that they have the confidence in me and want me to show what I’m capable of means a lot to me,” Scott said. “Just taking their advice, being more confident and more assertive. Do what I know I can do.”
The former Warwick Academy student said he was focused on becoming the best player he could be.
“I’m not totally sure yet what my ceiling is,” Scott said, “but I know that I’m going to work, put as much as I can into being as good as I can be.
“Obviously, I want to be a great player. I want to be SEC Player of the Year, whatever I can get to be a great player, but I don’t know right now. But I’m going to do whatever it takes to get there.”
You can read the full story here on the On3 website.
