Rick Barnes on third straight Elite Eight: ‘We have a standard, we’re a no-nonsense program’

By JAMES MADDEN

CHICAGO – Underdog. A word that perfectly encapsulates Rick Barnes’ tenure as the head coach at Tennessee. Prior to Barnes’ hiring in 2015, Tennessee had made just one Elite Eight in program history, in 2010 under Bruce Pearl. With the legendary head coach as its leader, the program’s identity has changed within the last 11 years.

After another breakout game for NBA Draft prospect Nate Ament, the Volunteers are headed to the Elite Eight for the third consecutive...