For the first time in recent memory, the Vols have a big-time scorer to go to in crunch time in Knecht, a 6-foot-6 wing who comes into March Madness averaging 21.1 points per game and shooting 40% from beyond the arc.
“Obviously he would be a No. 1 target for a team getting ready to play us,” Barnes said. “… We need him to do what he does, but we need his teammates to do what they need to do to help him.”
Tennessee (24-9) hasn’t advanced past the Sweet 16 in the past five tournaments despite never being lower than a No. 5 seed. The Vols have been knocked out every year by a lower seed.
Tennessee’s first-round game Thursday comes against Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion Saint Peter’s (19-13), a team that two years ago stunned the college basketball world by making a run to the Elite Eight as a No. 15 seed.
