Winn picks UT as surprise team.

[Special Ed]

SI.com's 2012-13 Preseason Crystal Ball Predictions - NCAA Basketball - SI.com

He seems to be banking on both Stokes and Maymon in the front court, though. I can see the Vols doing a lot of damage with both healthy. Otherwise, it's a little tenuous, especially early on.

 

[TBtheGBwiththeTD]

If skylar can be a true 3 point specialist and Q can play near what he showed fairly consistently, we should be able to manage with Jerrone for a while. However, if we want to make a deep run in the tourney we will need a healthy Maymon.

 

[VolStudent247]

Jay Bilas put us at #22 in his top 68 index.

The Bilastrator has been impressed with the toughness and grit shown by the Vols under Cuonzo Martin. Jarnell Stokes will be All-SEC (which means he could play for Kentucky), and Jeronne Maymon and defensive whiz Trae Golden provide additional strength. This is an NCAA tournament team.

 

[zansdad]

Jay Bilas put us at #22 in his top 68 index.

Another reference to Golden's defense.

 

[Special Ed]

I'd give my left filbert to have a Chris Lofton on this team draining threes from downtown. With everybody healthy, we'd be unstoppable.

 

[cncchris33]

Another reference to Golden's defense.

Another uninformed national columnist making irrational comments.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Defensive whizz, I love it.

 

[zansdad]

Another uninformed national columnist making irrational comments.

IDK, I usually find Bilas' opinions and such to be better than most.

 

[cncchris33]

IDK, I usually find Bilas' opinions and such to be better than most.

Me too, but we both know that there is no rational basis for calling Golden a "defensive whiz".

 

[zansdad]

Me too, but we both know that there is no rational basis for calling Golden a "defensive whiz".

Yeah, you're probably right about that.

 

[BlueHalo]

As does Bruce Pearl and Andy Katz

Expert predictions for the new season - Men's College Basketball - ESPN

 

[First&Tenn]

As does Bruce Pearl and Andy Katz

Expert predictions for the new season - Men's College Basketball - ESPN

If you read further in that article. Bruce also has this to say:

Bruce Pearl: As talented as the roster is, young Kentucky will lose at home this year to either Florida, Tennessee or Missouri -- thus ending the nation's longest home win streak (52 games) and handing John Calipari his first-ever loss at Rupp. The Cats may even lose there twice.

I really hope UT knocks off UK in Rupp. That would be almost as sweet as a deep tourney run.