Tennessee Volunteers Football Tickets

The Tennessee Volunteers basketball program is in complete limbo right now following an NCAA investigation into infractions committed by head coach Bruce Pearl. He then lied to investigators before admitting the truth, further damaging him and his program.

Pearl is currently operating without a contract as the school decides whether or not they can keep him. That certainly causes a distraction for the team, which must focus on basketball and not the status of their head coach.

Outside of the issues surrounding the NCAA investigation, Tennessee has a lot to overcome on the court as well. The team lost four key starters from last year's team that reached the Elite 8 for the first time in 40 years.

Wayne Chism, Bobby Maze, J.P. Prince and Tyler Smith are all gone, meaning returning reserves and incoming freshmen have a lot of opportunities awaiting them.

Tobias Harris is the top incoming recruit and should make an immediate impact. He was recruied by a lot of schools before settling on Tennessee, and the Volunteers have to hope that the NCAA investigation doesn't cause him to transfer elsewhere.

Scotty Hopson returns from last year's group and should emerge as the top scoring threat. Cameron Tatum and Melvin Goins also saw action last year and could start for this year's team.

Tennessee still has talent, but it's unlikely they will be able to top last year's NCAA tournament finish. Competing for an SEC title and reaching the Sweet 16 would be fine a accomplishment for this group.