Rick Barnes Needs the Tennessee Frontcourt to Play Well vs. Kentucky

When you think of this Tennessee basketball team, the first two players that come to mind are their top guards, Chaz Lanier and 22-year veteran Zakai Zeigler. Ron Slay’s former teammate is exceptional at dishing the rock, but the players tasked to catch the ball are just as important, particularly in the matchup against Kentucky.

“When we play our best basketball, it’s when we’ve got a complete effort, not only from our guards, but with our front line,” Rick Barnes shared before Tennessee’s final practice in Knoxville ahead of the Sweet 16.

“At this time of year, if you’re going to win and move, you got to have everybody. It can’t be one-sided from your own attack. And we just need that consistency from here on out.”

Igor Milicic was the most consistent player for the Vols in the first two matchups against the Cats. The lengthy stretch-four combined for 35 points and had nine rebounds in each game. Milicic, Felix Okpara, and Cade Phillips crashed the glass in the Vols’ second-round win over UCLA, combining for 20 boards.

“That was a major emphasis going in because you know, you go back, and when we’ve been pounded on the boards, it’s really hurt us. Obviously it would hurt anybody. We talk about it all the time, the game going on within the game that, whether it’s trying to get some of your misses. But you can’t be a good defensive team if you don’t finish it and rebound the ball and allow your offense to get out, maybe get some easy baskets,” said Barnes.

The Kentucky and Tennessee guards will take up most of the oxygen ahead of this matchup, especially when you consider how well the Cats shot the ball against the Vols. But as Adam Luckett pointed out, Amari Williams is +36 in 45 minutes against Tennessee this year. How well the Vols play inside could decide who is playing on Sunday with a shot at the Final Four.

Barnes Praises Lamont Butler

Lamont Butler was not available when Kentucky went on the road and beat Tennessee. Rick Barnes saw enough of the Kentucky point guard at Rupp and in Milwaukee to know what he brings to the table for the Cats.

“He’s a terrific player. I love the way he plays,” said Barnes. “And he’s obviously been there before. He knows what it’s like this time of year to play basketball. But he brings a really good defensive element to them, and he knows what he’s doing on the offensive end. Physicality. He brings physicality.”

Two physical point guards will try to dictate the style of play Friday night in Indianapolis. That’s where officials may intervene. Foul trouble at the point guard position could be costly on the road to the Final Four.

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