By: Dallas Bowlin
Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
All Vol Call In Show
The national media—and even some Tennessee fans—believed that losing superstar Dalton Knecht would send the Vols and Rick Barnes’s offense back to their struggles to put points on the board. To their credit, the preseason exhibition against Indiana wasn’t exactly inspiring. But here’s the thing: you never doubt Rick Barnes.
Since that exhibition where the Vols managed just 62 points on 30% shooting from the field and 22% from three, Tennessee's offense has been electric. They're now averaging 83.4 points per game (45th in the nation) while shooting an impressive 52.5% from the field (second in the nation) and 37.4% from beyond the arc (56th in the nation)
But those basic numbers only tell part of the story. To truly appreciate the evolution of Tennessee's offense, you have to dive into the advanced metrics. Analytics reveal just how efficient and dynamic this team has become, proving that the improvement isn’t just in volume but in quality.
EvanMiya’s latest innovative metric, Predictive Efficiency Margin, offers a fascinating look at the best lineups in college basketball. According to the model, Tennessee boasts the second-best lineup in the country: Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack, Igor Milicic Jr., and Felix Okpara. According to the model, this group’s standout attribute is its three-point shooting.
According to CBB Analytics, the Vols lead the SEC in effective field goal percentage, and their efficiency in key areas is eye-popping. Within 4-6 feet of the rim, Tennessee is converting 82.4% of its attempts—13% above the national average. From the left-wing three, they’re hitting 54.2%, an astounding 20.4% above average. Even from deep range (29-31 feet), the Vols are shooting a blistering 60%, outperforming the average by 28.4%. Chaz Lanier, Tennessee's biggest portal addition, has been a sharpshooter himself, hitting 44% from the top of the key (11% above average) and an incredible 40% above the average from both corner threes.
On KenPom, Tennessee boasts the eighth-best adjusted offensive efficiency in the nation. Bart Torvik’s metrics agree, ranking the Vols’ offense eighth as well while highlighting their second-best effective field goal percentage and two-point percentage.
And for anyone quick to claim, 'But they haven’t played anyone!'—a common refrain from those who don’t watch the games—Tennessee ranks sixth in Wins Above the Bubble. The numbers speak for themselves.
This team isn’t just winning—it’s thriving on both offense and defense. From early-season doubts to standing on the brink of becoming the number-one team in the country, the Vols have flipped the narrative. In Rick Barnes, we trust.
Photo | A to Z Sports
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