National media outlet says Tennessee HC Rick Barnes is among those under the most pressure during March Madness
Tennessee Vols basketball coach Rick Barnes is among those who are under the most pressure entering March Madness according to On3. The national sports media outlet listed the coaches/players/teams that they believe are under the most pressure ahead of the NCAA Tournament and they included Barnes. They also suggested that Vols guard Dalton Knecht is […]
Tennessee Vols basketball coach Rick Barnes is among those who are under the most pressure entering March Madness according to On3.
The national sports media outlet listed the coaches/players/teams that they believe are under the most pressure ahead of the NCAA Tournament and they included Barnes.
They also suggested that Vols guard Dalton Knecht is under a lot of pressure to perform at a high level in March.
From On3: Tennessee looks likely to claim a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament under Rick Barnes, creating an inherent pressure to perform. However, it raises to another level given his postseason struggles over recent seasons, especially when compared to expectations from the regular season.
That is where Dalton Knecht comes into the conversation. Tennessee has often been criticized for a lack of offensive firepower, something that he brings to the table. The ability for Knecht to get hot in the postseason will likely be tied to how fans view Barnes this season.
There's definitely some pressure on Barnes right now.
But it's not the type of pressure that coaches face when they're trying to save their job. Barnes is already a Hall of Famer. He'll exit Knoxville on his own terms one day.
There's pressure because this is the best chance that Barnes has had to win a championship since taking Texas to the Final Four in the early 2000s.
Barnes will turn 70 years old this summer. He seems to have plenty left in the tank, but there's no doubt that he's nearing the end of his coaching career. And he has to know that he won't have many more chances to win the national championship that's escaped him for the last four decades.
It's not necessarily championship or bust for Barnes — just reaching the Final Four would be quite an accomplishment for Tennessee basketball. But if Barnes doesn't win a natty this season, it's fair to wonder if it'll ever happen for legendary Hickory, NC native.
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