Busting Brackets
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Tennessee Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Volunteers

By Richard Gnann

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Rick Barnes the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers gives instructions to his team during the game against the LSU Tigers during the quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Rick Barnes the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers gives instructions to his team during the game against the LSU Tigers during the quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 24: Tennessee Volunteers students celebrate after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 24, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Kentucky 82-80. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 24: Tennessee Volunteers students celebrate after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 24, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Kentucky 82-80. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Final Thoughts

The SEC schedule does not set up well for Tennessee basketball in 2018. The non-conference schedule includes three tough road trips and difficult holiday tournament matchups. The Vols are waiting for John Fulkerson to get healthy and for Admiral Schofield to adjust to the small forward spot. Two transfers are still question marks and the freshman class offers only one likely significant contributor.

Rick Barnes is a proven coach and knows the art of roster building but a great deal must go right for Tennessee to improve on its 2017 record.

Next: Breaking down the preseason AP top-25

Things may very well go right for the Volunteers, but make any bets on Tennessee basketball this season are with house money. Expect the Vols to win 15 games. If things look good in January, you can always bet again.

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