Tennessee

Why winning SEC Tournament does (and doesn’t) matter to Tennessee basketball

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2024

Why winning SEC Tournament does (and doesn’t) matter to Tennessee basketball

More than a trophy is at stake when the Tennessee basketball team takes the floor at the SEC Tournament in Nashville this week. A No. 1 seed could be on the line for the Vols (24-7).

Some bracket experts are projecting Tennessee as a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, but such outlooks are subject to fluctuation. If the Vols bow out early in the conference tournament, they could surrender the inside track to a top seed. If they cut down the nets Sunday in Nashville, that likely would cement a No. 1 seed for Tennessee.

But, to what extent does that even matter?

On this edition of “The Volunteer State,” Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel’s Mike Wilson discuss the importance (or lack thereof) of the SEC Tournament for Tennessee.

Here’s why this event does and doesn’t matter to the Vols.

Why the SEC Tournament matters to Tennessee

1. A No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament unlocks a better shot at the Final Four. The Vols have never reached a Final Four. They’ve also never been a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Rick Barnes’ best team before this season was the 2018-19 squad led by Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield. That team earned a No. 2 NCAA seed and lost to No. 3-seed Purdue in the Sweet 16. Three of the four No. 1 seeds reached at least the Elite Eight that year. Statistically speaking, a No. 1 seed has nearly twice the probability of reaching the Final Four as a No. 2 seed. It pays to be a No. 1 seed, and winning the SEC Tournament should help Tennessee secure a spot on the 1-line.

TENNESSEE BASKETBALL: How important is an NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed to Vols? Rick Barnes isn’t sure

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TOPPMEYER: What Geno Auriemma would say about Dawn Staley’s undefeated quest with South Carolina

2. Best to avoid Purdue, UConn and Houston. Three of the four No. 1 seeds aren’t up for debate. Purdue, UConn and Houston have been the nation’s best teams throughout the season. Best to avoid them for as long as possible. A No. 1 seed means Tennessee would avoid each member of that trio until at least the Final Four.

3. Trophies are neat. Winning the SEC Tournament isn’t the ultimate prize, but it still counts as an achievement for a program that has won the conference tournament just once from 1980 through present date. That occurred in 2022.

Why the SEC Tournament doesn’t matter to Tennessee

1. Momentum from a conference tournament crown is mostly a myth. UConn won last season’s national championship after losing in the Big East Tournament semifinals. Of the last five teams to win the SEC Tournament, only one advanced beyond the Sweet 16. When Tennessee won the SEC Tournament in 2022, it lost in the NCAA’s second round. As we’ve established, a No. 1 NCAA seed means there’s plenty to play for in Nashville. Just don’t confuse SEC Tournament success as relevant momentum for the Big Dance.

2. Need some extra rest? Tennessee could win three games in as many days … or, it could lose early and rest those legs for the NCAA Tournament. While not a terrible strategy, here’s a better idea: Do enough in Nashville to secure that No. 1 NCAA seed.

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Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s SEC Columnist and a published author. Mike Wilson hasn’t authored any books, but he covers the Vols with award-winning coverage for the News Sentinel. You can subscribe to read all their coverage, or check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. They also host the acclaimed “SEC Football Unfiltered” podcast.

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Tennessee

Tennessee is worst in the nation in supporting caregivers, but here’s how to change that

Published

5 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Press Room

Tennessee is worst in the nation in supporting caregivers, but here’s how to change that

It’s time for Tennessee to acknowledge the tireless efforts these family caregivers provide and pay them for their work

Vanessa Zapata
| Guest Columnist

Vanessa Zapata is an attorney and the director of health policy and equity at the Tennessee Justice Center.

Tennessee ranks last in all 50 states and D.C. in its treatment of family caregivers according to a 2023 AARP report.

This comes as no surprise to Tennessee families who must care for loved ones with disabilities and/or who are aging.

The expectations and stress related to family caregiving are too high and have become unsustainable.

Every day, families reach a breaking point, as one family caregiver explained, “I would like there to be 24/7 support for my son in the family home. He would get this support in any other residential setting, but since he lives with me, it’s expected that I will do everything over 40 hours a week for free. It’s just too much to expect of any person. It’s no wonder that family caregivers go into crisis. Can’t live on four hours of sleep indefinitely.”

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, many states paid family caregivers as a method of protecting medically frail individuals during the pandemic. This experiment helped states understand that paying family caregivers is not only a tool to keep vulnerable community members safe and out of an institutional setting. It also provides critical relief for the family caregiver. It’s time for Tennessee to join this trend and pay these unsung heroes for their work. We can do this through Medicaid Structured Family Caregiving.

Change the system so it works for Tennessee families

Compensating family caregivers is a strategic investment in healthcare. Studies consistently show that family care at home significantly decreases health care utilization such as ER use. Paying family caregivers also recognizes caregivers as integral members of the healthcare team for the person supported. Not only will this prevent the undervaluing of their work but will also promote equity as Black and Hispanic households are more likely to take on family caregiving roles.

Right now, our state’s Medicaid program, TennCare, only has the option of “Consumer Direction” as an indirect way for family caregivers to be compensated.

However, many families have found this option to be impossible to implement. The most impractical barrier for many families is that immediate family members or any person that lives with the person supported, or even lived with the person in the last five years, cannot be paid through Consumer Direction. This structure just doesn’t work for many families.

But we can change the system so that it does work for those who are aging, those that have disabilities, and their families. Implementing this policy requires thoughtful analysis of what Tennessee families experience today, the experience during COVID, and what other states are trying now.

One option that Tennessee can study is Georgia’s state agency, Health Force of Georgia, which manages hiring and paying family caregivers. Another option is the agency-directed model, where family members are hired by existing agencies, as seen in Oregon.

Care giving should not become a financial burden

It’s time to acknowledge the tireless efforts these family caregivers provide and pay them for their work.

They shouldn’t have to choose between caring for a loved one and financially supporting their family.

This not only helps value their work but also reaches the heart of what our TennCare program is about – providing healthcare to Tennesseans.

Vanessa Zapata is an attorney and the director of health policy and equity at the Tennessee Justice Center. She provides direct services to individuals having issues navigating public benefits programs like TennCare Medicaid. She advocates for policies that strengthen public benefits programs, remove access barriers to these programs, and promotes health equity.

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Tennessee

Editorial: Tennessee merges departments to better help seniors

Published

12 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Press Room

Editorial: Tennessee merges departments to better help seniors

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Tennessee

Squirrel White Has Tall Task Ahead For Tennessee Football

Published

19 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Press Room

Squirrel White Has Tall Task Ahead For Tennessee Football

Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Squirrel White is entering an uber-important third season with the program.

Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White has been in the mix since his true freshman season. White has amassed 97 receptions for 1,284 yards in his first two seasons in Knoxville, Tennessee. The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder is slender for NFL standards but is sure to ran a blazing 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine.

The Vols have added lots of talent at the wide receiver position over the last few months, both through the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail. There are many conversations about which pass catchers will see their name in the mix this fall, but one thing is a certainty; No. 10 will get many snaps. The slot position is usually the most productive in head coach Josh Heupel’s offense, and White was Tennessee’s leading receiver last season.

Professional evaluators have had their eye on White since he made explosive plays during the 2022 Orange Bowl victory, but his production this upcoming season will likely determine his standing at the professional level.

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