10 teams with the best chance to reach Final Four in 2023-24

6. Tennessee Volunteers

Rick Barnes has done a nice job during his eight years so far at Tennessee, but a deep NCAA Tournament run has eluded he and the Vols despite a couple of Sweet 16 appearances, one of which came last year. Olivier Nkamhoua was a key player on that team who has since transferred to Michigan, as were big man Uros Plavsic, and forward Julian Phillips, who are also both gone in 2023-24. Yet, Tennessee still retains a lot of its key players including Jonas Aidoo, Josiah Jordan-James, Santiago Vescovi and Zakai Zeigler.

Vescovi should be one of the best point guards in the country, but Tennessee’s success could be dependent on how and when Zeigler returns from last season’s ACL injury. How quickly some talented freshmen in Cameron Carr and JP Estrella develop could also be a major factor. Yet, if all comes together as planned for Barnes, Tennessee could be in the mix for the Final Four. The Vols’ non-conference schedule is relatively light outside of games against Wisconsin, North Carolina and Illinois, but an immensely talented SEC should have them battle tested come March.