Team preview: Tennessee

Blue Ribbon Yearbook previews the 2009-10 college basketball season, exclusively on Insider.

Story | Conversation | October 06, 2009

SEC ShootAround: Baby Gators all grown up?

Andy Lyons/Getty Images The 2007-08 season was a frustrating one for Billy Donovan and the young Gators. Growing pains mean new gains for Gato...

Vols are hitting their stride -- just in time

After dominating South Carolina on the road with the SEC East title on the line, Tennessee appears to finally be fulfilling its early-season expectations.

Tar Heels will be overwhelming favorites to win it all

With Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green, UNC is the early favorite to win it all. Here's the early 2008-09 Top 25, writes Andy Katz.

Forward to return to Tennessee for junior season

Tyler Smith is returning to Tennessee for his junior season, hoping to improve his NBA draft prospects for next year.

Hook 'em Horns: Texas pre-preseason No. 1

It's never too early to look ahead and try to predict the Top 25, and the Texas Longhorns are the pre-preseason No. 1, writes Andy Katz.

Pitino's defensive sets fluster Vols to lead Cards into Elite Eight

Earl Clark scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half and added 12 rebounds, and Pitino's mix of defenses made life miserable for Tennessee in a 79-60 win Thursday night that put Louisville in the East Regional final.

Butler v Tennessee BIRMINGHAM, AL - MARCH 23: Tyler Smith #1 and teammate JaJuan Smith #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers react...

Pearl not decided on who will start at point guard for Vols vs. Louisville

Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl took a chance and changed his starting point guard in the middle of the NCAA tournament.

Tennessee loses lead, battles back to send off Butler in OT

JaJuan Smith hit four straight free throws in the final 13.6 seconds of overtime and the Volunteers held on for a 76-71 win over Butler on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Point made for Tennessee guards

During its win over Butler, Tennessee seemingly changed point guards on every possession. It was confusing, but it worked, writes Chris Low.

...Butler Bulldogs fights for a loose ball with Tyler Smith #1 and JaJuan Smith #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second round of the East Regional as part of the 2008 NCAA Men's...

Tennessee pulls away, survives American upset bid

Second-seeded Tennessee found its shooting touch at the end and avoided a massive upset by breaking away from American 72-57 Friday in the first round of the East Regional.

Hill's jumper with 5.3 left damages Vols' chances of top seed

Tennessee came up short of a Southeastern Conference double, and the Volunteers may have to do without a top seed in the NCAA tournament.

No doubt about it: Lofton takes and makes winning shot

Tennessee has not had success in the SEC tournament, and this year's Vols looked to be upset again when Chris Lofton saved the day. That is what's special about this year's Vols, writes Mark Schlabach.