Report: Tennessee to play Gonzaga at Madison Square Garden

Tennessee isn’t afraid to play anyone, anywhere. Rick Barnes has made a habit of assembling the toughest non-conference schedule possible in hopes of having his team ready to play big time basketball by January. 2020-21 will be no different.

Jeff Goodman reports that Tennessee is slated to play the Gonzaga Bulldogs once again this season. It will be a rematch of the instant classic from two years ago.

Tennessee beat the then No. 1 Zags in Phoenix, powered by a 30 point performance from Admiral Schofield. The two schools also met in 2015 and 2016, with Gonzaga coming out on top as Rick Barnes rebuilt the Tennessee program.

Mark Few’s team is expected to be one of the best in the country once again next season, although they are waiting on a few NBA decisions. Gonzaga finished the 2019-20 season with a 31-2 mark overall.

Tennessee is scheduled to play at Wisconsin, Cincinnati at home and Memphis in Nashville next season. They’ll also take part in the Charleston Classic, which features Houston, Florida State, Seton Hall, VCU, Oklahoma State, Penn State and Charleston.

The Volunteers will return John Fulkerson, Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James. Yves Pons is also likely to return, but is currently testing the NBA Draft waters. Five-star prospects Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson will join the team, along with four-star forward Corey Walker Jr. Transfers V.J. Bailey and E.J. Anosike will bring experience and depth.

Expect more schedule developments during the summer months.