Vols T logoTennessee fought. It battled and scrapped.
In the end, though, it was not the Vols’ toughness that was in question. It was their talent at point guard and technical execution that befell a group that is looking for a signature moment in the make-or-break third season of coach Cuonzo Martin.
Yes, the December win over Virginia was a highlight moment that has become a sizable win because of Virginia’s success since. The win over Virginia is a fine wine that gets better with age while these Vols are 100 percent Spam — the exact same with an uncertain mixture of mystery whenever you open the can.
They fight and rebound and you know Jordan McRae will bring energy and most nights score 20. Jarnell Stokes is delivering on his five-star pedigree — and the extra work in the weight room and the foul line have paid huge dividends — and is double-double machine. Old Man Maymon is tough and plays extremely hard, even if it is below the rim on surgically repaired legs that remind of his grit and limitations on almost every play.
That’s the good. And at times the Vols’ good can be great. Ask Virginia. Or LSU.