Defensive dominance: How the Vols built the nation's top defense

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kamoshika

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As talented as each defender is at their own position, the synergy that they play with collectively is what makes the product even better than the sum of its parts. While an offense might rely on its best talent to do the heavy lifting, defense requires all five guys pulling in the same direction.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For Tennessee, that chain is more of a deadbolt lock. The defensive synergy is much easier achieved with maximum commitment, and that commitment is easily apparent when everyone is playing with the same mentality: "It's not about me." From the walls of the film room to the wristbands worn by players and staff, you can't interact with Tennessee basketball without being reminded of that slogan.

In a sport where offenses are becoming increasingly efficient, what the Tennessee Volunteers have been able to do on the defensive end should not go overlooked. Their historic production is a direct byproduct of their buy-in to the program and its principles from their first days on campus. While the climb will become steeper as the regular season winds to a close, the Vols have proven that their effort and intensity will not waver. "We require hard things from our guys," Gainey said. "What's made our defense good is they don't run from hard. They stare it in the face."

Defensive Dominance: How the Vols Built the Nation's Top Defense - University of Tennessee Athletics
 

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