Tennessee Basketball: 3 takeaways from Vols opening win over Colorado
By Ian Mumm
Defense and Physicality
As detailed at the beginning of this article, Tennessee did an outstanding job of making the experienced Colorado roster feel uncomfortable and out of rhythm throughout the night. Veteran guards McKinley Wright IV and Maddox Daniels combined for 11 points on 4-11 shooting for the Buffaloes, 20 points less than their season averages. The overall athleticism on this roster is very problematic for teams to handle and counter in the midst of a game.
The top-to-bottom athleticism on Tennessee’s roster allows Rick Barnes to switch every screen without putting his squad into mismatches. A physical and bruting group, this year’s version of the Vols is reminiscent of Admiral Schofield and Grant Williams last season with the program.
Albeit the first game of the season, the intensity was constantly high for the orange and white. The guards were getting after it all game and the frontcourt rotation is as physically imposing as any group in the country. Similar to their M.O. over the last several seasons, the Vols will make teams earn every point on the scoreboard.