Happy Monday, everyone. And it is, indeed, a victory Monday over the Florida Gators in one of the big three of men’s sports. Have to love those.
So, without further ado, let’s get to what Tennessee Volunteers-related nuggets are floating around in my noggin.
1) The Vols’ win really put some feet in some mouths on the ESPN College Gameday set.
The four-person panel of (former Lady Vol) Andraya Carter, Jay Williams, Seth Greenberg, and Jay Bilas all quickly picked the Gators on Saturday morning. Granted, it had been announced by that point that Zakai Zeigler (knee) and Igor Milicic, Jr. (illness) would be out. It’s understandable that they did.
“No chance…Florida” – @SethOnHoops
Care to follow up? @RealJayWilliams @JayBilas @Andraya_Carter @CollegeGameDay #GBO pic.twitter.com/EICuBsyRML
— Alan (@smokiesvol) February 1, 2025
At least to a degree. Williams and Greenberg both picked Florida emphatically, with Greenberg saying “no chance” for the Vols. Woof.
Instead, Tennessee gave Florida no chance, holding the Gators to a season-worst 44 points on 13-53 shooting (24.5%) and 4-27 from three (14.8%). Where Tennessee’s offense was a concern, particularly without two of their top three scorers, the defense shook off a rough performance on Tuesday against Kentucky to shut down perhaps the best offensive team in college basketball.
A truly inspiring performance that will hopefully serve as a catalyst moving forward.
2) Zeigler is back, as well, per him to Mark Packer.
Just a little taste of why I love the “Food City Locker Room, presented by Garza Law.” I call it the “Players Show” because of the fun we have with them each week!!! @SwainEvent @TJonesLive @utlockerroom pic.twitter.com/AiZTUBswu9
— MARK PACKER (@Packer_sports) February 3, 2025
That’s huge that he’ll be back for Tennessee’s next game against resurgent #15 Missouri. No lingering effects or issues, it seems. And Tennessee will need him on both ends of the floor, as Missouri has been on fire lately. They clobbered Mississippi State 88-61 over the weekend. They’ve also scored 83 or more points in 5 of their last 7 games. Whoa.
3) Zeigler also responded to Jayson Swain regarding whether he’d consider coming back if he was granted a fifth year of eligibility (something the NCAA is currently considering for all athletes).
“Only God knows, only God knows, but why would I not? If this is the best situation for me, why would I not? I love Vol nation, and Vol nation loves me, so if that’s the best situation, then we may see it.”
Hey, in today’s NIL era, players returning to their schools has become far more of a possibility. We’ll see how things go with the NCAA, but Tennessee would obviously welcome him back with open arms if that was an option.
4) Dalton Knecht managed to avoid being a part of the mega-trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.
One might have thought that could have been a spot for him to have gotten shipped out, and according to on NBA insider, it looks like that was a possibility for a while. Per The Ringers’s Kirk Goldsberry, Knecht was initially a part of the negotiations. However, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka managed to remove him from the equation.
REPORT: The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade originally included multiple firsts and Dalton Knecht, per @kirkgoldsberry
“A deal got whittled down, and I think Rob Pelinka was able to convince the Mavs that Luka is a lot of risk… His drinking, his weight problem…”
(via Bill… pic.twitter.com/QjmmBWvjpx
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 3, 2025
I’m kind of torn with Knecht in LA. On one hand, I’ve never liked the Lakers, so him being off the team would allow me to return to that. However, playing with Doncic and LeBron James is such a ridiculous opportunity for Knecht that I hope gets to happen. Doncic is currently recovering from a calf injury.
We’ll see in the coming days ahead of the February 6 trade deadline if Knecht stays or gets dealt in an attempt to help build the Lakers’ roster further, particularly with a big man. The majority of my heart says I hope it’s the former.
Go Vols!