Tennessee basketball showcased its prowess on Friday night, improving to 6-0 with a resounding 77-62 victory over Baylor. Chaz Lanier's five three-pointers in the first four minutes laid the foundation for a massive first-half lead. Though Baylor fought back in the second half, Tennessee held on to claim the championship. After the game, head coach Rick Barnes and shooting guard Chaz Lanier shared their insights.

Coach Rick Barnes' Perspective

Defensively, Barnes was proud of his older players for setting a great tone. He emphasized the importance of mental preparation, stating that they had done a great job getting ready for the tournament. Regarding facing quality opponents like Baylor, he credited the coaching staff for their deep digging and preparation, not only this year but also last year. Barnes also discussed getting out to a big lead early and the challenges that come with it. He reminded the team that there is a long way to go and that winning is good but they must continue to improve.

“Defensively, just proud of the effort of our older guys who set such a good tone for us. But it’s been fun coming here in this, one of our favorite places to come because we feel like we get a a really good following with the fanbase and I think they’ve enjoyed it. And just the accommodations have been special.”

“Well, I saw really, I thought, great mental preparation. Getting ready. Like I’m sure Baylor, both of us would like to have a little more time, preparation would probably be a little bit different too, maybe. Maybe, maybe not. I mean, we had Virginia, we knew that coming in, so we were able to get that done really before we got here. And then you don’t know what will be next. But a lot of credit to our coaching staff. Those guys are doing an incredible job digging deep, going back, not just games this year, but last year. We’re really trying to give our players the best cheat sheet they can to get ready. And we’ve got so much respect for the game and for the our opponents and trying to give them (the players) as much without overloading them. And I’m really proud of their staff for the job that they did and really proud of the players for being able to absorb the different things we threw at them.”

Chaz Lanier's Insights

Lanier spoke about the impact of making the first shot in the game, how it eased the jitters. He also mentioned that his teammates found him throughout the game, giving credit to them. He described how the rim seemed to get bigger with each successful shot and how Baylor's defense in the second half forced him to create opportunities for his teammates.

“Yeah, when that first shot goes in, just all the jitters that you have leading up to the game, they just all go out of your body. So it was good seeing that first shot go in. But my teammates were just finding me all game, so I want to give all the credit to them.”

“Yep. Every time. Once you see one or two go in, you got to know the next one’s going up for sure.”

“No. Definitely the second half, they were on me like white on rice. But that leads to my teammates getting open looks because they’re guarding me so hard.”

“I mean, he’s just different. The toughness that he has is just crazy. Night in, night out, he knows what his job is, and he just fires everybody up.”

“Oh, definitely. He’s the hardest defender I’ve I’ve ever played against.”

“I would just say it’s been challenging. Night in, night out in practice, Coach (Barnes) pushes me to be the best that I can be on defense. And and that’s one of the reasons why I chose to come to Tennessee was to work on my defense. So yeah, big shout out to Coach. I love him so much for pushing me and getting me out of my comfort zone.”

“Yeah, like you said earlier, once once you see two or three go in, the next one is going up and that basket just gets bigger and bigger.”

“Yeah, it means a lot. Just being a Nashville kid and watching the Vols play growing up, it means a lot. And to have the state of Tennessee behind me, that that means the world. And to have my parents and family just a two and half hour drive away.”

“Yep. Luckily, my mom was able to come out here and then a few cousins from Texas were (as well).”

“Yep. I’d just say the prep leading up to it is,we scout on them a lot, but really the game plan is to come in and be us, and they’re gonna have to adjust to us. They’ve probably never seen the defense that we’ve played and the pressure they’ve never faced that yet all season. So just come in and be us and everything will fall into place.”

“I mean, he’s just a special player. He’s only had two days back in practice. But his effort is just unmatched. hHe’s kinda one of those guys like Jahmai. He’s just super tough, super tough. So y’all will be able to see that the rest of the season.”

“I mean, I’d hate to be the other team, especially going up full 94 feet against Jahmai Mashack and Zakai Zeigler. You know you’re gonna be in for a long night.”

“I mean, we’re just a tough team to play against. Very well rounded. But just like I said, Jahmai Mashack and Zakai, they just set the standard.”

“Oh, man. That’s a good question. Definitely get some rest tonight. Hopefully, maybe jet ski a little bit, but just rest and enjoy our day here.”