There probably has not been this much anticipation or excitement for the men's tennis team since 2003, when the Commodores reached the finals of the NCAA tournament.

One of the main reasons is sophomore Vijay Paul.

The New Jersey native came to Vanderbilt as the star recruit in coach Ian Duvenhage's first class.

Unsurprisingly, Paul, ranked by Tennisrecruiting.net as the nation's 12th best recruit of his class, quickly adjusted to Southeastern Conference play by going a team-best 8-3.

Now a sophomore, Paul has the game and experience to lead the Commodores to a higher finish in the SEC.

"As a freshman, it is hard to lead because you're always like a fish in the water, and plus it's your first year, and you don't have much experience to talk about," said Paul. "But sophomore year, I definitely have higher expectations. I know what to expect. I've seen SEC players, and I can help the freshmen out."

Paul certainly has enough experience to draw on. In addition to practicing with team members daily, he has played doubles against former Georgia star John Isner and beat Louisiana State's Kevin Dessauer, ranked No. 86 at the time.

Paul's game consists of a blend of strong offense and superb defense.

"He's very fast on the court, and he's capable of generating enormous racket-head speed," Duvenhage said.

Senior Ryan Preston, captain of the tennis team and ranked No. 29 in the preseason ITA singles ranking, had high praise for his doubles partner.

"(He is) mentally tough, fast and is one of the more talented ball strikers I've seen," Preston said. "He could definitely be one of the best players in the country."

While Paul may be laid-back off the court, he is assertive on it. The ultimate competitor, Paul is also professional: You will never find him in an argument with an opposing player or referee over a questionable call.

"Mentally, he doesn't give much away," Duvenhage said. "He has a very stoic attitude on the court, and I think opponents find him very hard to read."

Stoic himself, Duvenhage speculated Paul could play anywhere between the No. 1 and No. 6 positions, but he will likely be in the top four, perhaps as high as the No. 3 position.

"Vijay is smart, funny ... and a terrific young man," Duvenhage said. "We're very happy he's a Commodore."