All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee Basketball: 5 Things to Address this Offseason

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 06: Tennessee Volunteers players react from the bench in the second half of a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 6, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Kentucky 76-65. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 06: Tennessee Volunteers players react from the bench in the second half of a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 6, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Kentucky 76-65. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
KNOXVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 21: Admiral Schofield
KNOXVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 21: Admiral Schofield /

1. Press on Rocky Top

I say add a press with much reservation and cautiousness because the defense was so reliable last season. In fact, the Vols had one of the best defenses in the entire nation.

According to Kenpom.com, Tennessee ranked 6th in adjusted defense efficiency which is points allowed per 100 possessions. The defense was the best most consistent part of the team last year. They held their opponents to 65 points or less in 22 games of the 35 games. The defense was so impressive that they only lost two games when they held their opponents to 65 or fewer points.

In the Big 12/SEC Challenge, Tennessee had to travel to Ames, Iowa to take on the Iowa State and the Vols held them to a season-low 45 points.

As I said before, I say implement a press with reservation, but the Vols will be a deep team next season. With only losing James Daniel, -which don’t get me wrong, he will be missed- Tennessee will have the ability to throw multiple guys on the court to bring defensive pressure.

I also think the Vols have the team make up to make a press successful. I’m not suggesting, throw it out there like West Virginia does but every once in awhile to throw a surprise at the opponent could be the difference in a close game.

Tennessee should already be one of the favorites to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament next season. If they can address and work on a few things, it could be an extraordinary year on Rocky Top.

Home/Vols Basketball