What a day, unforgettable celebration, net-cutting time, “We are the champions” as a sing-a-long.
Tennessee knocked out Texas A&M, 65-50, for the Southeastern Conference tournament championship. Happiness prevailed. The Volunteers hugged each other as if they really, really care.
Commissioner Greg Sankey seemed sincere when he said they deserved the trophy. The Aggies were convinced. There wasn’t much said about the 43 years Tennessee has been waiting for new hardware.
Coach Rick Barnes was emotional. He called the team “a blessing from God.” He said how thankful he is to be associated with these players and for the opportunity given him by the University of Tennessee.
He did not mention his $5 million contract.
In a strange combination of words, the Vol defense was a thing of great beauty. It was also stifling, smothering and dominating. Texas A&M shot 34.5 percent. It hit four of 19 three-point attempts.
The Vols hit 12.
There were two offensive turning points. Tennessee got off to a 14-0 start. The Aggies did not score for the first 5:59. They missed eight shots, seven from long range because Vols were everywhere else.
The other pivot point was a nine-point outburst by Santiago Vescovi after the Aggies had reduced the deficit to five. After that, it was no contest.
Only the NCAA tournament selection committee was unimpressed. As projected a week ago, the Vols are a No. 3 seed. They will open against the Longwood Lancers on Thursday in Indianapolis.
Before you ask, Longwood is from Farmville, Virginia. It plays in the Big South Conference.
What made Tennessee good all season was too much for Texas A&M. The trademarks were in place. The Vols played strong help defense, disrupted the Aggies’ game plan, gave up few open shots and scrambled for rebounds and loose balls.
There was no surrender. The Aggies’ competed. Their zone delayed the romp.
Vescovi had 17 points, five assists, two steals and played tough defense. Josiah-Jordan James had a double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds. Kennedy Chandler, tournament MVP, contributed 14 points and seven assists.
John Fulkerson was outstanding. He tied his career high with 12 rebounds and scored eight points.
“I am very proud of our team,” said Barnes. “These guys have worked hard. They deserve what they’ve been able to achieve.”
The coach said tournament time is about players.
“It’s not about plays. It’s about players and players making plays.
“It’s their moment. It’s their time to get the trophy. It’s their time to cut the nets down. They came to Tennessee to help us make it a special place. They’ve done that. It’s truly their time.”
The coach promised it will be remembered and enjoyed throughout their life.
Barnes said what rivals and fans are seeing now goes back to last March, with the NCAA loss. He recalled a Michael Jordan article about leadership.
The coach told the Vols he didn’t think they could go any further unless leadership came from them.
“From that day, Josiah, Santi, those two guys in particular … their involvement, it was incredible where it changed.”
Barnes said a little over a month ago, the players started coaching each other.
JJJ offered insight.
“I feel like everything happens for a reason. We started off SEC play 2-3, and a lot of people doubted us, but those in the locker room, everybody, coaches and players, never held our heads down.
“We just worked every day, and that’s what Coach Barnes requires. That’s what our coaching staff requires. That’s what we started to require of each other – just to keep getting better each and every day.”
Thursday will be here soon.
Marvin West welcomes reader comments or questions. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com.