Vols mailbag: Can the basketball team make a Final Four?

It’s finally Friday, and you know what that means, it’s mailbag time. This week edition is a lot about the basketball team. Can the Vols make a Final Four?

Yes, it is Friday. Hopefully, it hasn’t been too rough of a week for Volnation. But, if it has there is good news for your evening, it’s Vols mailbag time.

There were a lot of questions about the basketball team and rightfully so. They should easily be ranked in the top ten this preseason and should make a run at a Final Four. This could be the year.

On to the mailbag, but first, we know you all have questions, thoughts, and comments. You’re welcome to send them to b.williford14@gmail.com any day during the week to be answered in the Friday mailbag.

Jay C writes…I read your five bold predictions piece. Number one there is no chance Tennessee comes within fourteen points to Alabama and secondly, as bad as hate to admit it, we aren’t beating Kentucky.

Thanks for reading Jay. Alabama figures to be at least a 30-point favorite in Neyland, right? Since 2007, the Crimson Tide have beaten the Vols by more than 20 points eight times. So, odds are it’s going to happen again.

However, that’s why it is a bold prediction. Here me out. The Vols looked much better against Georgia than they did against Florida. Why? Turnovers had something to do with it sure, but the defense looked much improved. And, late in the game, the offense was clicking.

I think the Vols carry their momentum into the Auburn game and they end up playing the Tigers close. I believe we are going to start seeing a different football team on the field. One that will hang with even the best teams in the nation.

As for Kentucky, the Vols could win. The Cats are ranked 13th in the nation, and they play Texas A&M this Saturday, so we should know a lot more about them. I’m still debating on taking Kentucky seriously. I do know Benny Snell is a stud, but you never know what could happen in college football.

Ian M writes…for the first time in my life I am super pumped for the basketball season. Maybe the lousy football team has a lot to do with that, but nonetheless, I’m excited. Are they good enough to make a Final Four, or will they let us down like the football team?

You didn’t get pumped for the Bruce Pearl years? He had the Vols ranked No.1 in the nation for the first time in program history, even if it was for only a couple of days. Guys like Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith, and Wayne Chism made basketball exciting in Knoxville for their abilities to stroke the three-ball.

Sure, this team isn’t as exciting, but they should be one of the best basketball teams in the land. I’m not even kidding about this; it wouldn’t shock me if the Vols won a National Championship.

It will be interesting to see how they manage early in the season with all the good competition. Even if they drop a few games, it will help them come tournament time. I give the Vols at least a 40 percent chance to make the Final Four.

George B writes…The basketball team plays a lot of great games this season. Which one are you most excited for?

The Vols play Georgia Tech, Louisville, Gonzaga, Memphis, West Virginia, and Wake Forest in the nonconference. The Louisville game is apart of the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournaments and if the Vols win they could play the Kansas Jayhawks in the next round.

I don’t know how to pick a favorite game. I’m excited about the potential opportunity to play Kansas. I’m also excited that the Vols get another crack at Gonzaga.

Of course, I can’t leave Kentucky off the list. Could Tennessee go two years in a row sweeping the Wildcats in the regular season? I think this would be the team to do it. However, the last time that happened was back in the 1976-1977 seasons.