After the program’s impressive win Tuesday night, the Alabama Crimson Tide now have only three games remaining in the regular season, each of which are against a team is currently ranked within the top five nationally. In addition to that, two are also road games, the first of which comes this Saturday against the Tennessee Volunteers.
One of the final SEC teams’ that Alabama has yet to play this season, Tennessee is once again among the nation’s top programs in 2024-25, and are currently positioned to make another run in the NCAA Tournament. However, the Volunteers have struggled at times in SEC play this season, which has Tennessee currently fighting for a double-bye in the upcoming conference tournament.
Alabama’s fifth consecutive ranked opponent, here is a preview of the 2024-25 Tennessee Volunteers ahead of the Top 25 matchup Saturday afternoon, which includes a few things that you need to know.
Tennessee Volunteers 2024-25 Team Overview
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Team Name: Tennessee Volunteers
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Conference: SEC
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Arena: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Knoxville, Tennessee
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2024-25 Record: 23-5 overall (10-5 in SEC)
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Ranking: No. 5 in AP Poll, No. 5 in Coaches Poll
Tennessee enters this matchup sitting at 23-5 overall for the 2024-25 season, but have seen some struggles in SEC play at times where they are 10-5, which is tied for fourth in the conference’s standings. The Volunteers, who have won three-straight, are also ranked as the nation’s No. 5 team in both the AP and Coaches’ Polls.
Tennessee Volunteers 2024-25 Coaching Staff
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Head Coach: Rick Barnes
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Associate Head Coach: Justin Gainey
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Assistant Coach: Rod Clark
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Assistant Coach: Gregg Polinsky
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Assistant Coach: Bryan Lentz
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Assistant Coach: Lucas Campbell
Leading the Tennessee basketball program is long-time head coach Rick Barnes, who is in season No. 10 in charge of the Volunteers. Barnes has also led the Volunteers to a NCAA Tournament appearance in the last six editions of the big dance.
Tennessee Volunteers 2024-25 Stats
Tennessee, as in recent years, ranks as one of the SEC’s top teams when it comes to points allowed to opponents, as the Volunteers rank No. 4 nationally with an average of only 60.8 a game. The Volunteers are also averaging 74.3 points per game offensively, but their defense is certainly the biggest takeaway for Tennessee, a team that ranks No. 1 in defensive efficiency nationally according to KenPom.
Tennessee Volunteers 2024-25 Players to Know
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Chaz Lanier, Guard – Fifth-Year Senior
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Zakai Zeigler, Guard – Senior
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Igor Miličić Jr., Forward – Senior
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Jordan Gainey, Guard – Senior
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Felix Okpara, Forward – Junior
In conclusion, Tennessee has four different players who currently average in double figures this season, headlined by fifth-year senior guard Chaz Lanier at 17.8 points a game. Tennessee is also a very experienced team, led by one of the SEC’s top guards in senior Zakai Zeigler, a multi-year starter for the Volunteers.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama vs. Tennessee: Basketball roster, team preview for Volunteers
