The Tennessee Volunteers will be without senior center Tamari Key for the rest of the season due to blood clots in her lungs. This is a devastating blow to a senior and a program looking to contend this season in the SEC. While the Volunteers have gotten off to a rough start to begin the season, the program was hoping to bounce back as they approached the main part of SEC play and the New Year. Key’s main focus will be getting better and for now, her future with basketball is uncertain.
Breaking news from @LadyVol_Hoops: Tamari Key is out for the season because of blood clots in her lungs. Please keep Tamari and family in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/W2gMZumLAV
— Maria M. Cornelius (@mmcornelius) December 8, 2022
In nine games this season with the Tennessee Volunteers, Tamari Key averaged 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. She paired that with a field goal percentage of 66.7 percent on the season. The four-year starter has been a defensive anchor throughout her career and was a finalist last season for the Lisa Leslie Award. Key will receive treatment from the Tennessee Medical Center and the Tennesee Athletics medical staff. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Tennesee Volunteers Head Coach Kellie Harper said the following about Key’s condition: “My sole concern right now is that Tamari continues to get the medical care and guidance she needs and begins the gradual process of healing and returning to full strength. This is much bigger than basketball. We are so grateful that this medical condition was caught. Our entire program will be right beside Tamari during this process and welcomes prayers and positive thoughts from Lady Vol Nation and beyond.” We here at Def Pen Sports wish Tamari Key the best in her recovery and hopeful return to the basketball court.
