Super Scintillating Selections Top 30 Countdown: #11 Tennessee Volunteers

Most people would take the day off on their birthday. Not me though. Day 20 of the Super Scintillating Selections, let's ride.

What a bummer. I really liked this team and specifically loved one player, Zakai Zeigler. Zeigler averaged 10.7 points per game, 5.4 assists, 2 steals, and was recently named a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. He just tore his ACL in their game against Arkansas last Tuesday. A huge blow to a Tennessee team that has struggled with injuries all year.

A positive note for the Vols and their fans is this team has remained a top tier team while battling injuries throughout the year so they can certainly do it again. Santiago Vescovi and Jahmai Mashack will most likely run the Point Guard position from here on out, but will they be able to fill the void? It’s a very tall task.

The Vols claim a 22-8 overall record and are 11-6 in a very competitive SEC this year. A win over the Auburn Tigers on Saturday will secure them a top four spot in the SEC tournament which will give them a much needed double bye. I'm hoping they play two or three games before the NCAA tournament begins, just so we can see what this team is like without Zakai. We know they have terrific players that defend their asses off, but how will they look without one of their leaders in the postseason?

Rick Barnes is in his 8th season leading Tennessee and has done an incredible job in Knoxville, but has yet to lead his team to a final four. Will this be the year? Let's get into it.

Why the Vols can cut down the nets:

1. Squad Clamps. Yes, Zeigler was the best defensive player on the team, but his teammates get the job done as well. As a team, Tennessee is #1 in adjusted defensive efficiency (points per 100 possessions), #1 in points allowed per game, #1 in opponent 3pt percentage, #1 in opponent effective FG percentage, #2 in opponent shooting percentage, and (my favorite) #2 in second half points given up. All of these are impressive but I LOVE the last stat. In college basketball, teams tend to score an average of five points more in the second half than they do in the first half. This happens for a number of reasons but what is important here is to know that Tennessee puts on the clamps every second of the game, and the only team that does it better than them is North Texas (idk either). Tennessee is the defensive evergreen of college basketball, they will be in your face all game long no matter the time or situation.

1. It takes a village. Like I said, Tennessee has been battle tested when it comes to injuries, and they have been among the nations top teams all year long. Players like Josiah-Jordan James, Tyreke Key, Santiago Vescovi, and Olivier Nkamhoua have the capability to step up and lead this team. Vescovi is a senior and I believe he will be the difference maker on this team going forward. Good senior guard playing in the tournament alongside a coach like Rick Barnes is a receipt for success.

What is holding them back?

1. Bricks are among us. Not a great offensive team by any means. Ranking in the 200’s in effective FG percentage, 3p percentage, shooting percentage, and free throw percentage. Not being able to trust a team from the three point or free throw line makes me sweat. But, they are a great offensive rebounding team, averaging almost 12 a game. So they miss a lot but they also get more opportunities than almost every team in the country.

Rick Barnes will have his team prepared for March Madness without Zakai Zeigler there is no doubt about it. But, how far will he be able to lead them?

My Prediction: Round of 32 (I hate this pick too, but i loved Zeigler)

Next Game: @ Auburn 3/4