AP photo by Chris Pietsch / Oregon basketball teammates Victor Bailey Jr., left, and Kenny Wooten celebrate after the Ducks beat Washington 65-40 on Feb. 8, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Bailey transferred to Tennessee last year and sat out the 2019-20 season per NCAA rules, but he could be a big part of the Vols’ 2020-21 season and their hopes for a deep tournament run.Amid the talk of returning players and a highly touted signing class, the Tennessee men’s basketball program’s aspiration of a deep NCAA tournament run next year may rest on the shoulders of the often forgotten Victor Bailey Jr.
Long postseasons have been rare for the Volunteers, who have reached the Sweet 16 on eight occasions, the Elite Eight just once and never gone further in the NCAA tourney. Their roster for the 2020-21 season, though, is one that should make their fans set their sights higher than simply beating rivals.
After a dip this past season, Tennessee could again be among the best programs not only in the Southeastern Conference but the country.
To contend for a national championship, however, will depend largely on someone who has yet to play a game for the Vols: Bailey, the 6-foot-4, 186-pound former Oregon Duck who sat out the 2019-20 season due to NCAA transfer rules and will be a redshirt junior next school year.
AP photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu / Oregon’s Victor Bailey Jr. drives to basket against Southern California’s Bennie Boatwright on Feb. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. Bailey, who transferred to Tennessee last year, brings postseason experience after playing for one Ducks team that reached the NCAA tournament and another that played in an NIT.Why he matters