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NCAA Basketball: Most overrated/underrated teams from 2018 AP preseason top 25

By Brian Rauf

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks is defended by Omari Spellman #14 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks is defended by Omari Spellman #14 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 06: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers shoots the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 06: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers shoots the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Overrated: Tennessee Volunteers

It’s very easy to understand the hype behind the Vols. They return virtually everyone from last year’s SEC title team, including star forward Grant Williams, who was picked to repeat as conference player of the year.

Depth and defense were the keys behind Tennessee’s success last season. They ranked sixth in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency and had seven players average at least 5.6 points per game. If the Vols are successful again in 2018-19, it will be because of those two attributes.

However, Tennessee hasn’t fixed the problems that limited them. Williams and Admiral Schofield, their two best players, both have interest from NBA teams but neither is expected to be anything more than a second round pick at best. Barnes has gotten the most out of this roster but, when they face good teams, that lack of top-end talent really shows itself.

Tennessee only played five games against ranked teams last year and 16 against teams that made the NCAA Tournament (including two actually in the tournament). In those games, the Vols went 3-2 and 8-8 – far from the mark of the “elite” team their No. 6 preseason ranking would project.

Obviously, Tennessee should be better with as much continuity and experience as they have. But, at the same time, they have actual expectations and a much, much tougher schedule. I think they’re more likely to take a slight step back than a step forward like this.

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