NCAA Basketball: 2021-22 Christmas wishlist for each top 25 team

Dec 22, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks to players AJ Griffin (21) and Paolo Banchero (5) during a break in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 76-65. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Basketball Christmas John Fulkerson Tennessee Volunteers (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

22. Tennessee Volunteers – Consistent production from the role players

The Vols got a massive victory over top 10 team Arizona this week, even with star point guard Kennedy Chandler scoring eight points on 2/14 shooting. Even though he struggled, John Fulkerson had a team-high 24 points and 10 rebounds, while guards Josiah Jordan-James and Justin Powell combined for 23 points on the perimeter.

This is important because Tennessee’s big problem has been getting full production from the entire rotation. When the stars such as Chandler and Santiago Vescovi play well, the others haven’t. This can be taken back to last season as well. If Fulkerson and Olivier Nkamhoua can provide consistent production in the frontcourt going forward, the Vols won’t have to rely on Chandler to go for 20 each game to win.

21. Providence Friars – Continuing to play injured opponents

This is tongue and cheek but the Friars have been lucky so far, playing Wisconsin without Johnny Davis and UConn without Adama Sanogo. Who knows whether or not Providence would’ve won without them but either way, those are two of an NCAA Basketball-leading four Quad 1 wins for their resume.

With the Big East changing its rules regarding forfeits, the Friars aren’t going to get wins from its opponents not being able to play. They could get some luck if key players are declared out but this Big East team has shown that they are capable of winning against NCAA Tournament caliber opponents, so they don’t really need the luck.

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