Tennessee Basketball: 3 reasons why the Vols will win the SEC in 2018-19

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Rick Barnes the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers gives instructions to his team against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the semifinals of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 10, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 10: Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the semifinals of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 10, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Tennessee is the “surest bet” to win the SEC

Each of the projected top teams in the SEC has their own variations of strength that’ll make them formidable for next season. But despite the offensive capabilities, it’s actually the defense that makes the Vols the best team in the league for 2018-19.

Last season Tennessee ranked 25th nationally in scoring defense (65.7 ppg), 22nd three-point defensive percentage (32%) and overall shooting (30th). That’s the exact opposite of Auburn, whose defensive struggles and fouling issues made them vulnerable. With their best individual defender gone in DeSean Murray, the Tigers may be taking a step back in that direction.

Kentucky’s defense and offense looks to be strong but three-point shooting remains a weakness. The Wildcats were one of the worst perimeter shooting teams in the country last season while Tennessee ranked 46th at 38%.

Even the one weakness the Vols may have had has been addressed this offseason with four-star center DJ Burns reclassifying to the 2018 class. The 6’10 big man will give more size to a team that did give up more rebounds on the defensive glass than they would’ve liked. That was the only thing that the team needs to improve on, while the other contenders have multiple issues to rectify.

Next. Top 10 returning SEC players for 2018-19. dark

The biggest problem Tennessee has is that they aren’t a flashy, explosive team filled with future NBA products compared to the other SEC contenders, giving a “weaker” perception outside of Knoxville. But that’s fine for the Vols and their fans, as they’ll glad surprise everyone again with another conference title. In reality, it shouldn’t be a surprise – but rather the expectation.

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