Tennessee basketball is off to its best start in a century with its 14th straight win to start the season. The Vols have taken down every team they have faced this year while taking over the No. 1 ranking in the nation in the process.
The Vols have been dominant on both ends of the court on any given night, lighting up the scoreboard and shutting down opposing offenses with its restrictive defense, a calling card of Rick Barnes' best teams throughout his coaching career.
Through transfer portal additions and traditional recruiting and player development, Barnes has put together what looks like the best roster he has had since coming to Rocky Top. Whether it be Chaz Lanier's sharpshooting ability or Felix Okpara's rim protection, Barnes has crafted this year's roster to compete for a national championship.
Former NBA player, two-time All-ACC player, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and North Carolina Tarheel John Henson joined The Field of 68 podcast and discussed the Vols's success so far this season.
"The thing I loved about Tennessee even more, they challenge every shot," Henson said on the podcast. "We had a defensive coach in the league. He charted every shot we challenged. There was an 18% drop off when you challenge a shot. Tennessee does that every shot, no matter what. I love their aggression. I love their defense."
While in college, Henson was an elite defender and knows a thing or two about playing stout defense. He was a "bully ball" type of defender at UNC and credits the Vols for playing a similar style of basketball in its win against Arkansas.
"It was just kind of a men amongst boys," Henson said about the Vols' Arkansas win. "I mean, just bullying them, they were rebounding the ball, they were defending. They just kind of took Arkansas' spirit."
Rick Barnes' best teams have been built on defense. That continues to be true with this year's team. The difference is the Vols can also be lethal on the offensive end of the court while shutting you down on defense.
They showed that against Arkansas, restricting the Razorbacks to its lowest point total of the season by almost 20 points. If Tennessee can keep up the production and continue improving throughout the season, they could be lethal come March.
Tennessee's next challenge is No. 6 Florida. It will be Tennessee's first road test in conference play and the Vols' first top-ten matchup of the new year. Tennessee will have a gauntlet SEC schedule, and this will be yet another test of the Vols' resilience and fortitude.