Vols Mailbag: Sweet Sixteen or bust for Tennessee basketball?

It’s finally Friday, and that means mailbag time. Is it Sweet Sixteen or bust for Rick Barnes and the Tennessee basketball team?

There isn’t much excitement surrounding the football program other than it’s homecoming weekend and that’s always special for alum. However, the excitement is in the basketball team and yes, Lane Kiffin.

Kiffin is like the old ex-girlfriend or boyfriend that you can’t seem to shake. They treated you so bad, but the thought of their name does something for you.

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.

Doug B writes…Is it Sweet Sixteen or bust for the basketball team? Should we even care if they win the SEC but lose in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament?

I’m like everyone else in thinking this year’s Tennessee basketball team could be something special. I’ll be the first to admit that I thought the Vols should have at least made a Sweet Sixteen last season. And, I’ll go on record now saying that should be a Sweet Sixteen team this season.

I think anything other than a Sweet Sixteen appearance is a disappointment. The Vols are loaded and should be even better than their 26-9 record from a year ago.

So, yes even with an SEC Tournament Championship, the season will be a bust without at least a Sweet Sixteen appearance.

Greg K writes…Someone on Twitter the other day asked if Vols fans would be okay losing to Kentucky in the Final Four? I’m not so sure I would be okay with that. Sure, a Final Four would be great, but Kentucky?

Man, this is tough. I thought last season was rough after sweeping the Wildcats during the regular season, Tennessee lost in the SEC Championship Game.

I don’t think any fan would be okay losing to Kentucky but to make the first Final Four in program history would be quite a feat. And, even losing to the Wildcats with a chance to play for a National Championship, I think it’s okay to be happy with how the season played out. Being one of the final four teams is always something to be proud of.

David L writes…Is there ever a possibility that Lane Kiffin coaches in Tennessee ever again?

Maybe, but not with the Vols. There is no chance that Phillip Fulmer thinks about allowing Kiffin back in the Tennessee football program. How he left the program still has people angry with him. However, there are many people that would love to have Kiffin back.

Could it work? Maybe, but I don’t think this is anything Phillip Fulmer consider, even if it is just as an offensive coordinator.

Speaking of old coaches, Butch Jones is interested in the Maryland job. Butch wasn’t good for Tennessee, and he wouldn’t be good anywhere in the SEC. But, at Maryland, maybe. So, sure hire the man and that way the Tennessee Athletics Department doesn’t have to pay him anymore.