Tennessee will Win the NCAA Tournament - Reasons Why By Matt Carty

New Reasons

1. There’s been some scuttlebutt that Vols' coach Rick Barnes may be retiring, and that the team wants to send him out on top. Hollywood script being written as we speak!

2. Kentucky would have to tighten up its defense to keep things close against the Vols, because points will be hard to come by against Tennessee's D.

3. The Volunteers outperformed 2nd round opponent UCLA in every aspect. That execution shows the Vols can do it all.

Original Reasons

1. I have declared them the honorary team of College Basketball Times' writers - The Volunteers

2. Head Coach Rick Barnes has the Vols in their sixth consecutive tournament, and they reached the Elite Eight in 2024. 

3. Did you know All-American shooting guard Chaz Lanier is the son of Bob Lanier's nephew?

4. Defense wins championships. The Vols bring the D - featuring two Naismith Defensive Player of the Year finalists - Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack

Matt Carty