Tennessee's Sweet 16 Appearance Sets a Standard for 2023
Just what is the result that the Vols will get next basketball season? Based on the ending result of last season, it seems there is a clear standard for Tennessee heading into next year. The illustrious Sweet 16 appearance is finally behind Tennessee, meaning that reaching the third round of March Madness is an expectation for the Vols in 2023.
Last year, the Tennessee Volunteers made the Sweet 16 for the 9th time in school history. It was the first time they had made it that far in the NCAA tournament since 2019, even though they had made the big dance every year since then (excluding COVID). The Volunteers could not move onto the Elite 8 this past season with a loss to Florida Atlantic by a score of 62-55. Thus, the streak of years of not getting to the elite 8 continues for the Vols, as they have not reached there since 2010. That is also their only appearance in school history in the Elite 8. So a Sweet 16 last season and a team that is arguably deeper than last year can mean only one thing? Tennessee has a goal of sharing similar tournament success this season.
Tennessee G Santiago Vescovi playing defense against Florida Atlantic during the Sweet 16 in New York City, New York, on March 23, 2023. (Photo by Brad Penner)
They have repeated Sweet 16 berths before, as they did in 2007 and 2008, meaning it has been done. But it is a goal that could be in the mind of head coach Rick Barnes for this next season. ESPN has had high praise for this year's Tennessee team putting them as high as 6th overall in "way-too-early" top 25 rankings. This also puts pressure on the ability to come through in 2023-24. The Tennessee basketball fanbase is growing fast and ready for more impressive performances in March. They have set themselves up with a foundation for doing it and could get it done this next season. It is the standard, after all.
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