They only went 17-14, but when you consider the fact that Tennessee basketball lost four starters and then its fifth starter from last year midway through this season due to shoulder surgery, it’s safe to say Rick Barnes didn’t do so bad a job with the Vols this year. With all that talent gone, lots of new standout talent stepped up.
In the process, there were individual performances that will be remembered in school history for just how valuable they were. They came from players many people expected to take on a larger role this year but who still exceeded expectations in these games.