I know we all desperately want to make an extended run in this tournament. But what are y'alls reasonable expectations and hopes for this postseason run?
I'll start us off:
It may be a low bar, but my expectation is making it to the Sweet 16 ... which I think is something that most fans expect.
I don't think we have too much problem with Longwood, but my concern is Game 2 against either Colorado State or Michigan. While we no doubt have the better team than either one, those two teams could easily spoil our entire tournament if we A) don't bring our defense, or B) have one of those awful offensive games where we can't throw it in the ocean (i.e., Texas/Texas Tech). Losing to either one would be a huge downer and would give the naysayers the opportunity to say "I told you they weren't worthy of a 2 seed" or "they really weren't that good to begin with."
Once you survive the first weekend, I think a lot of the pressure is off and you're playing teams who are pretty equal to you. If you lose at that point, there is no shame in it.
I desperately want a Final Four run. But I'll take my chances with the Sweet 16 and anything else is gravy. That would still be a memorable season. Anything short of that and this team won't be remembered as great. They'll always be remembered as the first UT team to win an SEC Tournament championship in 43 years. But other than that not a great team.
What do y'all say?
I'll start us off:
It may be a low bar, but my expectation is making it to the Sweet 16 ... which I think is something that most fans expect.
I don't think we have too much problem with Longwood, but my concern is Game 2 against either Colorado State or Michigan. While we no doubt have the better team than either one, those two teams could easily spoil our entire tournament if we A) don't bring our defense, or B) have one of those awful offensive games where we can't throw it in the ocean (i.e., Texas/Texas Tech). Losing to either one would be a huge downer and would give the naysayers the opportunity to say "I told you they weren't worthy of a 2 seed" or "they really weren't that good to begin with."
Once you survive the first weekend, I think a lot of the pressure is off and you're playing teams who are pretty equal to you. If you lose at that point, there is no shame in it.
I desperately want a Final Four run. But I'll take my chances with the Sweet 16 and anything else is gravy. That would still be a memorable season. Anything short of that and this team won't be remembered as great. They'll always be remembered as the first UT team to win an SEC Tournament championship in 43 years. But other than that not a great team.
What do y'all say?
