And here comes the strawmen.
Where did he say he was happy with "Just" making the Elite 8? Spoiler: he didn't. He was responding to you "just asking" if Rick was past his prime. So stop moving the goal posts. He responded to what you said.
Second what the hell is the "Tennessee standard"? Especially in basketball? Barnes has brought us more postseason success than any coach. He's setting the standard. Our baseball team won the first major national championship since the Lady Vols baskeball team in 2008. They haven't been to an Elite 8 since 2016. Football is getting back but we haven't won an NC or SEC Championship since 1998. We've yet to win a playoff game. LV basketball is tryng to get back to former glory. Softball is a consistent WS program but has been a runner up 2 times and not since 2013. What is this mytical standard you've made up in your head?
As far as the participation trophy comment, you know who is responsible for those? Boomer parents who got pissed their kids didn't get trophies. So if you are still pissed about those like it's 2000, maybe go yell at them. The kids never wanted them.