The Tennessee Volunteers of the past three games are precisely the team we thought we’d be watching this season. Dominant on defense. Crisp on offense. Strong inside. Smart shot selection. Who are these guys and what have they done with the team that lost to Texas A&M twice? Actually, forget I asked that question. I, for one, welcome our new basketball overlords. With their incredible defense and smart play and “where have you been all my life” competence. You can be human cyborgs or Zygons from Dr Who, Vol fans should not care. The thought process should be simple: “Just keep playing like this.”

The foregone conclusions of a few short weeks ago are now in flux. This team, a team that many scorned due to justifiable frustration, is in prime contention to make the NCAA Tournament. That is the test for a coach in the modern system.

Provided they make it, which remains a bigger IF than anyone should be comfortable with, but that said, a tournament appearance means death to the relevance of the Bring Back Bruce movement. Whatever the merits of that position, whatever sympathy I have for it, it simply will not happen if the Vols are in the dance. Particularly if they do a little damage.

And they look like they could do quite a bit of damage.

Onward.

Glance Game Of The Weekend

There are no more glance games. This is *Peak * basketball, one of the best times in all of sports. You will watch and you will sneak watch at work.

Haterade Game Of The Weekend

Whenever Kentucky is playing.

Fun fact: for the first time since 1980, the team picked Number 1 in preseason hoops rankings failed to finish in the regular season top 25. (Hat Tip @Gil_Brandt)

Calipari’s kittens have really lived up to the hype, haven’t they?

It’s so glorious to mock Kentucky.

Here’s a list of just SOME of the teams ranked above them before the SEC Tournament:

1 Florida  29-2
2 Wichita State 34-0
3 Villanova 28-3
4 Arizona 28-3
5 Louisville 26-5
6 Virginia 25-6
7 Duke 24-7
8 Michigan 23-7
8 San Diego State 27-3
10 Kansas 23-8
11 Syracuse 27-4
12 Wisconsin 25-6
13 Cincinnati 26-5
14 Creighton 24-6
15 North Carolina 23-8
16 Iowa State 23-7
17 Oklahoma 23-8
18 Saint Louis 26-5
19 Memphis 23-8
20 New Mexico 24-6
21 Connecticut 24-7
22 Michigan State 23-8
23 VCU 24-7
24 Ohio State 23-8
25 SMU 23-8

Oswego State University wasn’t that far off from being in front of Coach Calipari’s kittens. Whatever you make of the Vols’ season, please enjoy the fact that what’s happening in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is something to be savored. Remember, rooting against Kentucky is as American as Apple Pie.

Reservation Game Of The Weekend

Your Vols, Of Course

The great Pat Forde has selected Tennessee to win the tournament. That’s how dominant the Vols have been these past three games.

Bruce Pearl is WiFi. He’s an addiction. We all had moments of relapse this season for a multitude of reasons. But this team can make the NCAA Tournament and do real damage this season. Isn’t that what we want? Isn’t the original addiction Tennessee Basketball? Isn’t winning everything? Isn’t it the only thing? As Reed has elucidated us here there isn’t a straight line between Tennessee missing “The Big Dance” this year and Bruce Pearl being the head coach next year.

You are a fan of the University of Tennessee. Get your adult beverages and Calhoun’s On The River and saddle up.

Something To Watch On Selection Sunday

It could be a rough day. But you know what? Watch the show. The Vols have closed strong and with a good showing in the tournament, you have every reason to place your faith in the notion that Tennessee will be in the field of 68. If the worst happens, then here is the very funny Jack Whitehall to make you chuckle.

This should be a fun weekend. Enjoy it. You deserve it.