Alabama Basketball 2024-25 Opponent Preview: Tennessee Volunteers

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been a powerhouse in college basketball, and with teams like Alabama and Tennessee, the 2024-25 season promises to be one of the most competitive yet. As Alabama looks to defend its recent success and make a deep run into March Madness, one of the most crucial opponents it will face this season is the Tennessee Volunteers. With their rich basketball tradition, elite coaching staff, and dynamic roster, the Volunteers are poised to be one of Alabama’s biggest challenges in the SEC and beyond.

Tennessee has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in recent seasons under head coach Rick Barnes. With a relentless defense, impressive recruiting, and consistent performances in both the regular season and the postseason, the Volunteers are a perennial threat in the SEC and an increasingly important team in national college basketball conversations. For Alabama, their matchups against Tennessee will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their season—especially considering the Vols’ reputation as one of the top defensive teams in the country.

In this preview, we will take a deep dive into the Tennessee Volunteers’ roster, key players, style of play, and what Alabama can expect from this fierce rival in the 2024-25 season.

Tennessee Volunteers 2023-24 Season Recap

The Tennessee Volunteers had a memorable 2023-24 season, finishing with a strong regular-season record and making a deep run in both the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. The Vols’ signature strength under Rick Barnes has always been their defense, and last season, they were one of the most difficult teams to score on in the country. Tennessee finished near the top in multiple defensive metrics, including opponent points per game, field goal percentage defense, and three-point defense.

On the offensive end, Tennessee displayed great balance, with multiple players contributing at a high level. The Vols were efficient in their scoring, but it was their physical, hard-nosed approach to defense that really set them apart. Their playstyle of grinding down opponents with a stifling defense before turning those stops into transition opportunities allowed them to control the tempo of games and make life difficult for opposing teams.

While they faced some stiff competition in the SEC, including strong challenges from Alabama, Kentucky, and Auburn, Tennessee finished near the top of the standings. Their overall success was bolstered by some key players who left a significant impact both on and off the court, and these players will continue to be a threat in 2024-25.

Key Players for Tennessee in 2024-25

Tennessee enters the 2024-25 season with a mix of returning talent and new faces ready to contribute. While some key players from the previous season may have moved on, the Vols are expected to have a formidable squad. Here are some of the players who will be integral to their success.

1. Zakai Zeigler (Point Guard)

Zakai Zeigler is one of the most electric point guards in the SEC. The 6’0” guard has become the heart and soul of the Tennessee basketball team, both offensively and defensively. In 2023-24, Zeigler was the engine that ran Tennessee’s offense, distributing the ball efficiently while also showing an ability to score when needed. His quickness, ball-handling skills, and leadership on the floor make him a major factor in every game.

Zeigler’s ability to control the tempo and set up his teammates in Tennessee’s ball-screen offense will be critical for the Volunteers as they look to stay competitive in the SEC. His defensive tenacity, combined with his agility, allows him to disrupt opposing offenses, and he’s known for his ability to lock down the best opposing guards. Alabama will have to find ways to neutralize Zeigler’s disruptive presence on both ends of the floor if they hope to have success against Tennessee.

2. Santiago Vescovi (Shooting Guard/Small Forward)

One of Tennessee’s most experienced and versatile players is Santiago Vescovi, a guard who has been a steady contributor for the Vols throughout his college career. Standing at 6’3”, Vescovi has a reputation for his sharpshooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc. His three-point shooting will be crucial for Tennessee in 2024-25, as it provides them with a perimeter threat to space the floor and open up driving lanes for teammates.

While Vescovi is primarily known for his offense, he also plays strong defense, often taking on the toughest assignment in guarding opposing perimeter players. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the floor makes him a key player to watch. His experience in big games, coupled with his leadership, will be important for Tennessee’s title aspirations.

3. Jonas Aidoo (Center)

Jonas Aidoo, a 6’11” center, will be one of the biggest focal points for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2024-25. As a skilled big man, Aidoo has the ability to impact the game in both the post and on the defensive end. He has shown glimpses of dominance as a rim protector and a rebounder, and his development as an offensive player will be crucial for the Vols.

For Alabama, stopping Aidoo will be a challenge, as his size and defensive ability will create a tough matchup in the paint. His shot-blocking and ability to protect the rim make him an intimidating presence on defense, while his improving offensive game will add another layer to Tennessee’s attack.

4. Julian Phillips (Small Forward)

Julian Phillips is an exciting, dynamic player for Tennessee who will play a major role in the Volunteers’ 2024-25 campaign. Phillips is known for his ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s attacking the rim, scoring in transition, or hitting mid-range jumpers. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions and his length gives him an advantage on both ends of the floor.

Phillips is also a solid defender, and his athleticism allows him to switch across multiple positions. His ability to guard both wings and inside players will give Tennessee the flexibility to match up with any style of offense. For Alabama, keeping Phillips from getting on a scoring run will be critical in limiting Tennessee’s offensive output.

Tennessee’s Style of Play

Under Rick Barnes, Tennessee has established itself as one of the top defensive teams in the country, and this is unlikely to change in 2024-25. The Volunteers play a physical, grind-it-out style that emphasizes toughness and hustle, particularly on defense. They are relentless in their pressure, making it difficult for opponents to score consistently. This defensive-minded approach is complemented by their ability to execute offensively in the halfcourt, with a balanced attack that features contributions from multiple players.

Tennessee’s defensive strategy centers on suffocating their opponents’ ball movement, forcing turnovers, and contesting every shot. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses allows them to dictate the pace of games, often slowing down the tempo and playing in a methodical, controlled fashion. Alabama will have to be patient on offense and smart with its ball movement in order to break through Tennessee’s defense.

Offensively, Tennessee relies on a combination of ball movement, shooting, and attacking the basket. They have a well-rounded offensive attack, with shooters like Vescovi and Phillips stretching the floor, while players like Aidoo provide an inside presence. One of Tennessee’s biggest strengths is their ability to play unselfish basketball, with multiple players capable of stepping up and scoring when needed. This team doesn’t rely on one player to win games, which makes them difficult to defend against.

How Alabama Matches Up Against Tennessee

Alabama and Tennessee have built a fierce rivalry over the past few years, and their matchups in the 2024-25 season will be highly anticipated. Both teams have plenty of talent, but they also have different strengths, and the key to these games will be in how each team plays to its strengths.

One area where Alabama has an advantage over Tennessee is in its up-tempo offense. Under head coach Nate Oats, Alabama has built a fast-paced, three-point heavy offense that thrives on pushing the ball up the floor and creating quick scoring opportunities. This style of play will be tested against Tennessee’s defense, but if Alabama can push the tempo and make Tennessee play faster than they want to, it could force the Vols out of their comfort zone.

Another key area will be the battle in the paint. Tennessee boasts a strong frontcourt with Aidoo, and Alabama will need to counter with its own big men, including players like Charles Bediako and Noah Clowney. Alabama has a size advantage in the frontcourt, and if they can win the battle inside, it could go a long way toward neutralizing Tennessee’s defense.

Finally, Alabama will need to be efficient from beyond the arc. Tennessee’s defense will look to limit open looks from three-point range, but Alabama’s shooting ability is one of its biggest strengths. If the Tide can hit their shots from deep, they could break open the game and force Tennessee to adjust defensively.

The Tennessee Volunteers will undoubtedly be one of Alabama’s toughest opponents in the 2024-25 basketball season. With a roster full of talented, versatile players and a style of play that emphasizes defense and toughness, Tennessee will be a formidable foe in both SEC play and the NCAA Tournament. For Alabama, their matchups against Tennessee will be crucial in determining the outcome of their season. With both teams gunning for conference and national glory, the 2024-25 season promises to be another thrilling chapter in this fierce rivalry.