Well, after three straight Elite Eight losses for Rick Barnes, it doesn’t get any easier. This was a polarizing team, one that, in a lot of ways, looked exactly like a typical Barnes squad. They were physical, relentless on the glass, and built to win tough games. They weren't as good defensively as Tennessee normally is, but it still was a strength of the team. The biggest thing was that they had an elite point guard in Ja'Kobi Gillespie, and they have an NBA Lottery pick in Nate Ament. That just doesn't happen very often anywhere.
This team had all the tools to be great. A senior point guard who's elite, and another blue-chip talent alongside him. It may be the best chance Rick Barnes will have at Tennesse to make a Final Four. Out of all the Elite Eight games Tennessee has played in the last three years, this Michigan team is probably the best. If Barnes couldn't get it down with Gillespie and Ament, will it ever happen in Knoxville? You can tell this team wanted it badly, but Michigan was just a well-oiled machine.
On the other hand, I love Rick Barnes, and I respect his ability because I do think he's a Hall of Famer, but losing with two of the most talented players that have come into Knoxville over the last few years is painful.
How Tennessee can make the Final Four
The Vols will be losing a big chunk of this roster. Hopefully Barnes can convince Ament to come back next year, but I'd lean towards him likely being gone, but you never know. The point guard situation is critical next year, because I'm not sure if running Troy Henderson and Ethan Burg is the answer next year. They both are good long-term options for Barnes, but I don't think they are the answer for next year, especially since both hardly played this season.
Tennessee will need to grab a couple of very good portal players, which Barnes has shown he's willing to do, if it wants any chance of having Final Four aspirations next fall. As it stands right now, I'm not sure this roster is deep enough to make a big run next year. I'm excited to see the development of J.P. Estrella, Jaylen Carey, and DeWayne Brown II this offseason, but they need more help.