Could this be the year Tennessee basketball finally punches its ticket to the Final Four? According to analytics guru Evan Miyakawa, it's a possibility worth considering.
Miyakawa's rankings are split into tiers, with the top echelon labeled 'Title Favorites.' This group includes heavyweights like Michigan, Duke, Arizona, Florida, Houston, and Illinois. Right behind them in the 'Final Four Potential' tier are teams like Purdue, UConn, Iowa State, and yes, Tennessee, among others.
In these rankings, Tennessee sits at No. 14 nationally, boasting the 28th-best offense and a stout 14th-ranked defense. This balance is key as they look to make a deep tournament run.
The Vols are currently riding high, fresh off a victory over Vanderbilt. They've won four straight and eight of their last nine, showcasing the kind of momentum that can carry a team in March.
Assistant coach Amorrow Morgan reflects on the team's growth: "Our guys are starting to understand what it takes to compete at a championship level. It's about maintaining focus throughout the game. We’ve shown flashes, but consistency is what we’re striving for."
Morgan highlights leadership and defensive intensity as pivotal. "Our guards have stepped up defensively, and we're seeing leaders emerge. That focus and engagement are crucial for our success."
Next up, Tennessee heads to Missouri for a Tuesday showdown, airing at 9 p.m. ET on SEC Network. It's another chance for the Vols to prove they're ready for the big stage.