Get ready for an exciting basketball season in Tennessee, folks! Both the University of Tennessee's men's and women's basketball teams are entering the 2025-26 season with high hopes and a lot of buzz surrounding them.
The Lady Vols, led by head coach Kim Caldwell, are ranked an impressive eighth in the nation to start the year. Caldwell has not only retained a solid core from last season but has also brought in top talent through the transfer portal and high school recruitment. She attributes this success to the team's performance last season, making it easier to attract new players.
On the men's side, Coach Rick Barnes has a slightly different challenge. He's rebuilding a team that made it to the Elite 8 last season with players who were not key contributors then, and some who weren't even part of the program. But Barnes has a gem in former Greeneville Greene Devil, Ja'Kobi Gillespie. Barnes gushes about Gillespie, saying, "We're incredibly fortunate to have him on our team. He's exceeded all our expectations."
So, there you have it, an exciting start to the season for both Tennessee basketball teams. But here's where it gets interesting: Can the Lady Vols maintain their ranking and make a deep run in the tournament? And will the men's team, with its new roster, surprise everyone and make a similar impact?
What are your thoughts on these teams' chances? Do you think they can live up to the hype? Let's discuss in the comments!
