Tennessee basketball: 5 things a national title would mean for the Vols

No.3 – Recruiting will be much different

It’s been well documented and talked about how Rick Barnes and the Tennessee basketball program haven’t been the best on the recruiting trail. That, of course, is if you are forming that opinion solely off national rankings.

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Here is a look at the previous five recruiting classes and how they broke down on a national scale.

2018: 115th National 12th SEC

2017: 54th National 11th SEC

2016: 49th National 7th SEC

2015: 60th National 11th SEC

2014: 39 National 7th SEC

As you can see by those rankings, the Vols have never finished above 7th in the league. Honestly, other than Kevin Punter, the only reason 2014 was highly ranked was that the class included seven players.

Barnes has proved he doesn’t need top-100 players to win. He is winning and winning big with guys no one wanted. However, with success comes the recognition and with recognition comes higher rated prospects wishing to attend your school.

Here is a look at what is on the docket in the next two recruiting classes.

2019: 30 National 7th SEC

2020: 2 National 1st SEC

Obviously, it’s incredibly early to talk about the 2020 class. However, it says a lot of the state of the program that Tennessee already has a hard commit.