Rick Barnes downplays locking up a double-bye in the SEC Tournament

Teams race all season long in league play to earn themselves an easier path in their conference tournament. However, as they currently sit at fourth in the SEC, Rick Barnes says he is not worried about whether or not Tennessee finishes with a double-bye in Nashville.

Barnes broke down both sides of the coin when it comes to postseason scenarios during his press conference on Monday. On one hand, he says it’d be a luxury to have an extra day of rest, especially considering his team’s health issues as of late. However, on the other hand, he isn’t worried about playing an extra game either if that’s what they’re dealt.

“Again, if it is? It is. If it’s not? You look at it the other way,” said Barnes. “Some of these guys need more games. Obviously you look at it from one point and it’d be nice to have another day of rest. On the other hand, you say you gotta play if you gotta play. That will determine it based on how we perform. But it is what it is.”

“If we can get it? Fine. If not? We’ll have to make do with what we have and have deal with it,” Barnes said.

Per PlayoffStatus, Tennessee has a 43% chance to be the No. 4 seed in Bridgestone Arena next weekend. They can’t realistically get any higher, especially because Kentucky swept them this season. However, the Volunteers will have to handle their business in their final two games. That’s because the three teams just a game behind them in Auburn, Missouri, and Vanderbilt have either beaten them already or still have another game against them before the season ends.

Either way, though, Barnes says the Vols are ready to roll with the punches. They’re going to make the most of whatever path they’re on in order to potentially defend their SEC Tournament title a week from now.