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ESPN analysts high on Tennessee’s Final Four chances
By Andrew Olson
Published:
It has already been a special season for Tennessee hoops, but the No. 1 ranking won’t matter in a few weeks. Vols fans are hoping to see Rick Barnes’ squad keep it going in March Madness and reach the Final Four.
Two ESPN analysts think UT (19-1, 7-0 SEC) is the best bet to win its regional in the NCAA tournament. Rece Davis asked his “College GameDay” panel to name its most confident final four pick on Saturday.
“I’m going with Tennessee, riding a 15-game win steak,” Jay Williams said. “Nobody on that team is a freshman that has scored a point this season. They’re a team of veterans. Experienced. Jordan Bone is averaging 6.5 assists per game. They have one of the top frontcourts in the nation. I love the way this team is built. They’re the class of the SEC and I see them getting to the Final Four.”
Dick Vitale also went with the Vols.
“I just love the experience factor,” Vitale said. “Grant Williams is a money player. (Admiral) Schofield can flat-out play. Great guard play. I like their winners mentality. I like their experience. You can make a case for Gonzaga, Duke. Supremely talented. Duke has three guys that might go in the Top 5 of the NBA draft. Tennessee is my team to go the final four. Toughness. I love their players.”
The other two analysts went with Gonzaga (Seth Greenberg) and Duke (Jay Bilas).
No. 1 Tennessee has a chance to add to its tournament resume Saturday night against Texas A&M (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
