Photo By Kyndall Williams/Tennessee Athletics showcases the team's on-court efforts. This week, Tennessee basketball remained at No. 11 in the AP Poll despite a 2-0 week with blowout victories over Montana and Austin Peay. The Vols are now the fourth highest ranked SEC team, trailing No. 4 Auburn, No. 8 Alabama, and No. 9 Kentucky. Notably, the Wildcats jumped Tennessee in the rankings after their win over Duke. Auburn and Kentucky remain unbeaten this season, while Alabama faced its first big test at Purdue and lost.

SEC Team Rankings and Standings

There are seven SEC teams in this week's rankings, with Tennessee ahead of No. 20 Arkansas, No. 21 Florida, and No. 23 Texas A&M. This showcases the strength of the SEC conference. The Vols started the 2024-25 season with a 4-0 record, winning by 35 points in both games against Montana and Austin Peay. Igor Milicic Jr from Charlotte had a breakout week, averaging 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Point guard Zakai Zeigler also had a strong week, averaging 15 points, 7.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and only 1.5 turnovers.

Tournament Preparations and Challenges

After two games against smaller schools, Tennessee heads to the Bahamas for the Baha Mar Tournament. In their first game on Thursday night, they face Virginia. Then, on Friday night, they will face either No. 13 Baylor or No. 22 St. John's. This matchup is one of the most difficult on Tennessee's non-conference schedule and also includes a road game at No. 25 Illinois next month. The team is ready to take on these challenges and showcase their skills on the international stage.

Player Performances and Impact

Igor Milicic Jr's performance has been a key factor in Tennessee's success. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court has been crucial. Zakai Zeigler's playmaking skills and consistent performance have also been vital. Their combined efforts have helped the Vols achieve their wins and maintain their ranking. The team's chemistry and individual performances will be crucial as they move forward in the season.

Future Outlook and Expectations

With the upcoming tournaments and challenging matchups, Tennessee's future looks promising. The team has shown that they can handle tough opponents and perform well. They will continue to work hard and improve their game. Fans can expect more exciting performances from the Vols as they strive for success in the remaining games of the season.