Both Tennessee basketball teams are gearing up for an exciting 2025-2026 season, with high expectations and a promising outlook. The Lady Vols and the men's team are both ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, setting the stage for a thrilling year of competition.
The Lady Vols are ranked eighth in the nation, a testament to their consistent performance and strong foundation. This ranking is a result of Kim Caldwell's exceptional leadership and strategic recruiting. Caldwell has successfully retained a significant portion of last year's team, ensuring continuity and a solid starting point for the season. Additionally, her ability to attract elite players from the transfer portal and high school has further strengthened the team's depth and talent.
Caldwell's approach to recruiting has been transformative, as she emphasizes the benefits of showcasing the team's success. "It's been easier to sell because they watch the game," she said. "You can show clips of people in Tennessee uniforms and how they'd fit in." This strategic focus on visual evidence has made it easier to attract top talent and build excitement around the program.
Meanwhile, the men's team, led by Rick Barnes, faces a different set of challenges. They start the season ranked 18th, which is a significant improvement from their previous performance. Barnes had to rebuild the team with players who were not key contributors to the Elite 8 team or even part of the program. However, one of his new players, Ja'Kobi Gillespie, a former Greeneville Greene Devil, has exceeded expectations. Barnes expressed his gratitude for Gillespie's talent, stating, "We're lucky to have him, we're blessed to have him. Cause he's better than I thought."
The contrasting journeys of the Lady Vols and the men's team highlight the challenges and opportunities that come with rebuilding and maintaining success in college basketball. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these teams navigate their respective paths and whether they can live up to the high expectations set by their preseason rankings.
