Tennessee Basketball looks to the future after NCAA Tournament loss

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — Tennessee Basketball advanced to the Elite Eight for the third straight season.

However, the Vols have yet to advance to the final weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

The Vols struggled to keep up with Michigan on Sunday, falling 95-62.

While it was a disappointing end to an up-and-down season, Head Coach Rick Barnes was proud of the Vols’ run in the tournament.

“I’m just so proud of our guys, they’ve had a phenomenal year,” Barnes said. “Obviously, when you get to this point, and you don’t move on, it’s extremely disappointing.”

Preparation for next season will need to begin shortly, as the transfer portal officially opens on April 7.

Even after the loss, Barnes believes that the continued experience of reaching the Elite Eight will help prepare the Vols to get over the hump in the future.

“If you want to break through, you have to get here first,” Barnes said. “Our goal is just to get back here and keep kicking and kicking and hope we can knock the door down.”