I’ve been following Tennessee basketball for years, and I’ll be honest—this season feels like a tipping point. The Volunteers have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been their Achilles' heel. When I think about how Tennessee basketball can return to the NCAA Tournament this season, a few things come to mind right away. First, their defense. Last season, they ranked 12th nationally in defensive efficiency, but offensive droughts killed them in close games. I remember watching that heartbreaking loss to Oregon in November—they led by 9 at the half but couldn’t buy a bucket down the stretch. That’s the kind of game that sticks with you, the kind that can define a season if you let it.
But here’s what gives me hope: the roster isn’t starting from scratch. Santiago Vescovi is back, and his leadership on the floor is something you can’t teach. He’s not just a scorer; he’s the guy who settles everyone when things get chaotic. And then there’s Zakai Zeigler—quick, pesky, and exactly the kind of guard who can disrupt opposing offenses. I’ve seen him turn games around with his energy alone. Still, talent alone won’t cut it. The Volunteers need to find a way to close out tight contests, especially against SEC rivals like Kentucky and Alabama. Last year, they went 3–5 in games decided by five points or fewer. Flip just two of those, and we’re probably talking about a tournament team.
It’s funny—sometimes a team’s biggest hurdle isn’t skill but mindset. I was reminded of that when I came across a quote from a Meralco coach in a completely different context: “We respect the decision, but it was a tough one to accept. We abide by it, although we don’t agree with it.” That sentiment resonates deeply with what Tennessee’s players might be feeling after some of those tough officiating calls or unlucky bounces. How do you bounce back when things don’t go your way? Do you let frustration derail you, or do you channel it? I’ve seen teams fold under less pressure, but I’ve also seen them use disappointment as fuel. For Tennessee to make a run at the NCAA Tournament this season, they’ll need that same resolve—accepting the bad breaks without letting them define the journey.
Offensively, there’s room for growth. The Vols averaged just 68.9 points per game last season, which placed them in the bottom half of Division I. That’s not going to cut it in March. They need more production from the wing, and I’m looking at Josiah-Jordan James to step up. When he’s aggressive, he opens up the floor for everyone else. And let’s not forget the freshmen—Julian Phillips, in particular, has the length and athleticism to be an impact player right away. But rookies are unpredictable. One night they look like future stars, the next they’re struggling with turnovers. It’s on the coaching staff to put them in positions to succeed, and honestly, I think Rick Barnes has done a decent job developing young talent over the years.
Now, about that NCAA Tournament bid—it won’t be easy. The SEC is stacked, and Tennessee’s non-conference schedule includes matchups against Texas and Memphis, both potential Quad 1 opportunities. Win two of those, and you’re building a résumé the selection committee can’t ignore. But it’s not just about the big games. Beating the teams you’re supposed to beat matters just as much. Last season, they dropped a head-scratcher to Vanderbilt late in the year, and that loss likely cost them a spot in the field. This time around, they’ve got to take care of business night in, night out. No excuses.
I keep coming back to that idea of resilience. Returning to the NCAA Tournament isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about how this team handles adversity. There will be moments when a call doesn’t go their way, when a shot rims out, when the momentum swings against them. In those moments, they’ll have a choice—complain and collapse, or adapt and push forward. Personally, I think they’ve got the grit to do it. The pieces are there. If they can shore up their half-court offense and maintain that trademark defensive intensity, I like their chances. It might come down to the SEC Tournament in Nashville, where a strong showing could seal the deal. Either way, I’ll be watching, hoping this is the year Tennessee basketball reminds everyone what they’re capable of.
