Senior guard Jewel Spear was not dressed to play when Lady Vols basketball started warming up Tuesday at Food City Center.
She was one of two returners who started every game last season and has been a key piece to Tennessee’s undefeated start in coach Kim Caldwell’s first season. With Spear out, UT has 12 active players.
The Lady Vols (4-0) face Western Carolina (5-2) at 6 p.m. CT (SEC Network).
Tennessee did not immediately provide an update on Spear’s status before the game.
Spear is averaging 11 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and one assist through four games. She has started in three games and is tied for first in minutes per game (23.3). She leads the team with 10 made 3-pointers on 30.3% shooting from deep.
Spear transferred to Tennessee ahead of the 2023-24 season from Wake Forest. She made an immediate impact and was second on the team in scoring last season, averaging 13.1 points and 4.4 rebounds.
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Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Jewel Spear not dressed for Lady Vols basketball vs Western Carolina
