Dennis Gates: Tennessee have the qualities of a team that could win a national championship.
Add Dennis Gates to the increasing number of coaches who believe that Tennessee has the potential to win a National Championship. Starting from the season’s outset, Tom Izzo initiated the praise after a scrimmage in East Lansing. Since then, numerous other coaches have echoed similar sentiments.
Missouri’s head coach concurs after the Volunteers secured a victory on Tuesday night in Columbia.
Expressing his admiration after the game, Gates remarked, “What a great, great team we played tonight. Unbelievable team. I think Rick Barnes’s best team he’s ever had. They’re well balanced. They have everything you need. That’s characteristics of a national championship team.”
Despite Tennessee’s not-so-flawless performance on the night, with both Dalton Knect and Zakai Zeigler struggling initially, key contributions from Tobe Awaka and Jonas Aidoo in post play and second chance points kept the Vols in the game. Eventually, Knecht found his rhythm, sealing the victory.
It was a collective effort, showcasing the various ways in which Tennessee can secure wins.
“They have inside play, they have depth, they have shooting, they have a potential national player of the year, great point guard, assist-to-turnover ratio, and they have veterans,” Gates emphasized. “So when you look at their program, you look at where they are compared to last year, they’re healthy, right?”
Gates was alluding to Zakai Zeigler’s injury at the end of the previous year. In that period of absence, Missouri capitalized, defeating Tennessee in the SEC Tournament. The injury to Zeigler was particularly impactful when an opportunity for a clear path to the Final Four arose after Tennessee’s victory over Duke. However, they faced a strong FAU team and sorely missed Zeigler in that contest.
“I think Zakai Zeigler, his injury last season impacted their progress in the tournament, but they’re healthy now and they’re doing a great job,” Gates observed.
Once again, this Tennessee team stands out. With a plethora of pieces and versatile ways to succeed, their trademark remains their stellar defense. However, Dalton Knecht elevates them to another level. The game against Missouri on Tuesday night is one they might have lost last year. Having a player who can take charge in crucial moments, like Knecht, is precisely what Rick Barnes has been lacking since the departure of Grant and Admiral.
Tennessee still faces challenging matchups in the coming weeks, including games against Texas A&M, Auburn, Alabama, South Carolina, and Kentucky, all preceding the SEC Tournament. While earning the school’s first No. 1 seed in history is on the table, it won’t be an easy feat. Regardless of the outcomes, come March, this represents Barnes’ best opportunity to make a significant impact in the NCAA Tournament since 2019.
