Mark Byington and the Vanderbilt Commodores might be the hottest team in college basketball. In just his second season in Nashville, Byington has turned the program into a confident, fast-paced, and deeply balanced contender. His first year produced a 20-13 finish and an NCAA Tournament appearance, following four successful seasons at James Madison where he racked up 82 wins in 118 games. Now his rebuild has taken another massive leap forward.
A Perfect 9-0 Start Built on Statement Wins
Vanderbilt enters the first weekend of December at 9-0, one of only a handful of undefeated teams left in the country. While the streak alone is impressive, the quality of their recent wins has elevated national expectations. The Commodores have rolled through VCU, Saint Mary’s and SMU, winning all three by double digits and showing complete control on both ends of the floor.
Their offense has been the most striking part of this run. Vanderbilt has scored 100 or more points in four different games, and their season scoring average of 96.8 ranks third in the entire nation. Few teams can match their pace, spacing, or efficiency when the offense gets rolling.
A Balanced Core Driving the Breakout
Duke Miles has been the steadying force, averaging 17.8 points in nearly 29 minutes of action. He sets the tone with relentless attacking and a natural scoring instinct. Frankie Collins has become the team’s engine, leading Vanderbilt with 4.9 assists per game while adding eight points per game of his own.
Then there is Devin McGlockton, who has quietly become one of the most efficient scorers in the SEC. Shooting just under 66 percent from the field, McGlockton’s presence inside balances the Commodores’ perimeter firepower and gives them a reliable option in the paint.
Their depth was on full display in the dominant win over SMU on Wednesday. Vanderbilt hung 48 points in the first half and coasted to victory behind four double digit scorers. Tyler Tanner led the way with 26 points in 37 minutes, McGlockton added 13, Tyler Nickel chipped in 12, and Miles finished with 10. Nashville fans have taken notice, especially on the heels of a surprisingly strong football season.
A December That Could Define Their Ceiling
Vanderbilt now gets a breather before hosting Central Arkansas on December 13. After that, the schedule tightens. A road trip to Memphis on December 17 will provide one of their most intense atmospheres of the season. Four days later, the Commodores travel to Wake Forest, another test that should give the SEC a clearer picture of their trajectory.
The real grind arrives January 3 when SEC play begins with a visit to South Carolina. Vanderbilt will enter a league loaded with national contenders, including defending champion Florida, John Calipari’s Arkansas rebuild, Alabama’s explosive offense and several other dangerous teams. Even so, the Commodores have earned the attention of voters and fans alike.
A Team Built for March
Coach Byington has assembled a group that plays hard, shares the ball, and scores in waves. Vanderbilt may not get the same spotlight as the SEC’s traditional powers, but their resume is only getting stronger. If this level of balance continues into league play, the Commodores won’t just return to the NCAA Tournament. They will arrive with real expectations.
Vanderbilt basketball is back in the national conversation, and this time, it looks built to stay.