Pulaski native Tyler Smith (left) provides some tough defense at the end of the game. (Photo by Danny Parker)

NASHVILLE -- Following Tennessee's 88-82 edging of Western Kentucky at the Sommet Center on Saturday night, Volunteer coach Bruce Pearl noted the importance of the new faces on campus.

A roster that returned all but undersized forward Dane Bradshaw off a team that was a monsterous blocked shot from Ohio State's Greg Oden away from playing the regional finals in the NCAA Tournament, hardly looked like it needed even a sprinkle to their recipe for success.

Arizona transfer J.P. Prince, Iowa transfer Tyler Smith and freshman Brian Williams were so impressive during their first game together, they made SEC Player of the Year Chris Lofton look like a role player.

If this squad can get consisent play from their point guards and start shooting a higher percentage at the foul line, a deep March run won't come down to a blocked shot.

And the new kids on the block will have a lot to do with that.