Tennessee Vols have history on their side as an exclusive contender to set a long-awaited program first
The NCAA basketball tournament is perhaps the most difficult of all titles to win. One off day, and you're done. Tournament futility has been a source of frustration for fans of the Tennessee Volunteers over the years while also serving as fodder for rivals. However, one small but important stat should have Vol fans feeling […]
The NCAA basketball tournament is perhaps the most difficult of all titles to win. One off day, and you're done. Tournament futility has been a source of frustration for fans of the Tennessee Volunteers over the years while also serving as fodder for rivals.
However, one small but important stat should have Vol fans feeling at least somewhat hopeful that Tennessee can put an ugly history behind them and make the program's first-ever Final Four – and perhaps more – in 2025.
According to college basketball statistician Will Warren, the last ten NCAA tournament champions going back to 2015 have all been in the top five of the KenPom college basketball ratings index as of February 24. That's where the Vols find themselves this year, checking in at #5.
College basketball often promotes the magic of Cinderella schools during March, but in reality, the cream almost always eventually rises to the top when the final nets are cut down. Talent wins out, at least it has over the last decade.
Tennessee is a team with the talent to go on a run. They have shown in some key games this year that their stout defense, when matched by at least a competent offensive showing, can carry them over the best teams in the country. Cases in point: 64-44 over Florida with Zakai Zeigler and Igor Milicic, Jr. out; 77-69 at Texas A&M last weekend. Both of those came against top ten teams. Had the Vols just had a speck more offense in their 53-51 rock fight loss to Auburn, that would have been a massive road win.
However, college basketball is a weird and unforgiving creature. Officiating is arbitrary and/or inconsistent far too often and can turn a game on a dime. Cold spells come without warning on offense, and they truly have this year at times for the Vols. As such, trying to predict the future in the sport is sometimes like asking if it's going to be snowing on Christmas Day in 2028.
Still, it doesn't hurt to be in a select group whose recent history says have a great look at the sport's biggest prize. And to be fair, the Vols have earned that with a sterling 22-5 record thus far.
We'll see if they can make that long-awaited dream a reality in March.
ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi’s latest projection includes a tweak that may have upped the stakes of Tennessee—Alabama matchup
The Vols and Crimson Tide are even closer for one of the sport’s big prizes
