Tennessee Is Playing With A New Attitude On The Court. Maybe It Was Time For The 'Heel' Turn

If you've paid attention to the Tennessee basketball team over the last month or so, you've probably noticed this team is playing with a new type of attitude. No, I'm not talking about how they attack the basket or spot up for a three-point attempt. I am talking about the physical nature of their play. It's almost as though this squad has finally taken on the bad guy role. We've seen glimpses of the change in recent weeks, especially after that loss to Kentucky when nothing on defense went their way. Maybe it's Zakai Zeigler and the way he attacks each game like it's his last. You don't see many basketball players in the country throw themselves into a game like he does. The young man from New York City has brought a different type of toughness to the court. Maybe it was when Rick Barnes decided to insert Uros Plavsic into the roster for John Fulkerson. The 7'1 center has taken his aggression out on opponents at times this season, trying to set a tone for the game. He probably took things a bit too far on Wednesday night when he pushed a Florida player in the back on a free throw and drew a technical. But the leader of this team right now, Santiago Vescovi, has been the catalyst. He's not only their leading scorer, but he's attacking on defense and getting in the face of his opponents, letting them know that his guys won't back down from a challenge. Following the win over Florida, Vescovi discussed the team's attitude and approach to the game: