Vols Prove Their Worth: Season Wrap Up

Mar 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Jarnell Stokes (5) looks to pass the ball away from Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) and guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) in the first half in the semifinals of the midwest regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

College basketball seasons are like long distance races.  A fast start, a steady pace, and a strong finish are required to win.  However, in some cases,  just maintaining will get you a successful result.

Tennessee stumbled off the starting line, showed very little consistency,  and had to sprint at times to make up ground. But at the end of the season,  they finished stronger than many people could have anticipated.

Several preseason predictions had the Vols in the round of 32. Despite their inability to put things together for most of the season, Tennessee exceeded expectations and found themselves with a very real chance to advance to the Elite 8.
Ups and downs, turmoil and perseverance were the themes for this wildly frustrating and unforgettably tough team.

Losses to UTEP, Texas A&M (twice), and Vanderbilt left Vols fans baffled, sparking a mid season petition to bring back former coach Bruce Pearl. Preseason expectations for Cuonzo Martin’s team seamed way off base midway through the SEC schedule.  Martin’s labeling his team a “Tougher Breed” couldn’t seem farther from the truth at times.

Despite their struggles, the Vols never quit on their coach.  A late season run in which they won 5 of their final 6 games, got the Tennessee into the NCAA tournament as one of the First Four games in Dayton, OH.  An OT win over Iowa propelled the Big Orange to 2 more blowout wins against UMass and Mercer to reach the Sweet 16.

With Friday night’s heartbreaking loss to Michigan, the Vols finished their season with a modest 24-13 overall record. However, this season was more than just modest. With a trip to the Sweet 16, Tennessee exceeded expectations and sprinted towards the finish line.

The Vols exhibited high character and proved to be the “Tougher Breed” they were labeled as.  Their late season run probably not only saved Coach Cuonzo Martin’s job, but it also made for an exciting brand of basketball that fans all across the country could appreciate.