Dec 8, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; General view during the first half of the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Colorado Buffaloes at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
A top five recruiting class, the addition of an elite transfer and multiple returning contributors is not enough for some outlets to believe in Tennessee basketball for 2021-2022. Given how Rick Barnes’ program underachieved in 2020-2021, it makes sense, but it’s shocking to see.
The Vols came in at No. 18 in Athlon Sports’ preseason top 25 rankings. Sure, they’re in the top 25, but failing to make the top 15 or even the top 10 would seem like a bit of disrespect given how loaded they are this year.