Tennessee returned to practice Monday to begin prep for the program’s eight straight NCAA tournament appearance.
The Volunteers earned a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region. Their run will open on Friday in Philadelphia against the winner of the First Four matchup between Miami (Ohio) and SMU.
Coach Rick Barnes said the team’s first practice back will focus on themselves while the staff studies both potential opponents.
“We’ll obviously get into both teams tonight and by tomorrow we’ll have some things on both,” Barnes said. “Every coach will get involved and we’ll break both teams down. Tomorrow will be a good work day for us and we’ll start implementing some things.”
For now, Tennessee is also focusing on improving its own execution following the SEC tournament.
Barnes pointed to turnovers and fouls in key moments as areas the team wants to clean up before Friday’s game.
“You’ve got to realize the value of every possession,” Barnes said. “Turnovers and fouls at the wrong time can send you home.”
Guard Bishop Boswell said Monday’s practice set the tone for the week as the team prepares for the intensity of March Madness.
“Knowing coach, being around him for this long, he’ll be on us for sure,” Boswell said. “It’ll be a tough day, a work day, just getting better.”
Tennessee will prepare for both Miami (Ohio) and SMU early in the week before shifting its focus once the First Four matchup is decided.
Boswell said the team will also review film and address mistakes from its last game.
“Just some of the things from last game like turnovers in key moments,” Boswell said. “Free throws and overall execution.”
Despite the disappointment of the SEC tournament loss, the Volunteers quickly turned their focus to the opportunity ahead.
“Anytime you get to play in March Madness, something you grew up watching, it’s a surreal feeling,” Boswell said.
Barnes said reaching the NCAA tournament remains an accomplishment that should not be overlooked.
“When you get there, it’s something you don’t ever take for granted,” Barnes said. “It’s hard to get to the NCAA tournament.”
Tennessee will continue practicing this week before traveling to Philadelphia for Friday’s first-round game.
