KNOXVILLE, TN – Despite the team sitting at 16-1 and winning most of those games in convincing fashion, some Tennessee fans were prepared to see Duke ascend to the top of the AP Poll after beating undefeated Virginia this weekend. But that is not what happened.
The Vols have won with a variety of styles, from pretty to gritty, and as a result, Tennessee Basketball is alone at the top of college basketball. UT received 48 of 64 votes in the AP. The Vols received 30 of 32 votes in the poll of college coaches. This isn’t controversial or very debatable. For only the second time in recorded history, Tennessee is #1.
Now, that’s very big, so fans should take three deep breaths.
Breath One: Think about the number of former players on the backs of this team, who picked Tennessee over other schools in spite of its history of basketball woes. This sort of success has only briefly been visited once, by Bruce Pearl. Think of the decades of enduring support from fans, routinely making pilgrimages to TBA, and wondering if it could ever be the cascading weapon that the large stadium next door is, given a chance to challenge for the high crown of college basketball. Think of all that time. Think of all the pain that Tennessee Athletics have endured in the last decade. And exhale.
Breath Two: It’s not even February yet. While the historical significance of being #1 is objectively incredible, this journey is still young. Grant Williams said it best this week, telling reporters “I came here to hang banners, not to be #1 in January.” This is the way champions talk. This is the mindset and culture that keeps Rick Barnes in his players’ face, especially after what seem like easy wins. UT is nowhere near its goal. Not to mention, last time Tennessee topped the polls, they lost their very next game. In Nashville. To Vanderbilt. Tennessee will begin its defense of #1 on Wednesday night. In Nashville. Against Vanderbilt. The Vols have earned this ranking, but will now wear the sport’s biggest bullseye on their back. Any team remaining on the schedule could use a win against #1 to define its season and increase its claim for inclusion come Selection Sunday. Tennessee has excelled in the role of “The Hunter” for two years. Now, Tennessee must focus all energy on remaining an apex predator instead of some other hunter’s trophy. Now exhale.
Breath 3: Until further notice, Tennessee is the best team in college basketball. Memorize this feeling. Fans will be wise to hold this breath for as long as possible. In March, this breath comes back out, either as a long sigh or the loudest, longest version of Rocky Top in history. Stay tuned.
Let’s not forget about Stokley athletic center. Still more basketball games played there than TBA