Tennessee had a great season. Barnes, his staff, and these players have all been incredible. Nothing should diminish that, even a loss to Wright St. wouldn't have. Sure it sucks, but this tournament isn't about crowning the best team, it's about making money. If the NCAA and the media cared about crowning a true champion they would change this drastically.
Football is different because of the number of big and athletic players it takes at the top level. There aren't that many of those kids. But you can find 5 or 6 somewhat athletic kids to play basketball all day long. But it still isn't the same. Does anyone think Loyola had to experience nearly what TN did throughout the tough grind of the SEC? Hell no. Then they come to the NCAA Tournament with some old Nun and become darlings of the tournament. Media, officials, everyone but TN fans. Loyola is a group of guys that play hard and well together. Take nothing away from them, but had they had to deal with the competition TN did all year they wouldn't have been a .500 team. They would have been Vandy or Ole Miss. Anyone can win a game or two. Let them play TN in a gym with no hype and unbiased refs and see what happens. The proof is in Admiral's comments after the game. He felt he couldn't play physical after his 2 fouls. That hasn't happened in that kid's entire career. Sure TN should have still won it regardless, but if that game is officiated like two even teams instead of like Daddy having to protect his little kids against the big bullies, TN wins easily regardless of all of it.
My point is - give the Vols credit and celebrate this season. Forget the tournament. It's just icing on the cake if you are lucky enough to do well.
