Kenny Smith warns Tennessee basketball ahead of Michigan game in NCAA Tournament on CBS
INDIANAPOLIS — Tennessee basketball was in the middle of thrashing Longwood on Thursday when Turner Sports commentator Kenny Smith looked ahead at halftime on CBS.
The former North Carolina guard recalled his experiences as a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. He said the second game was always harder than the first and cautioned the Vols that Michigan was waiting.
“The second day was always the toughest,” Smith said. “You play a game like this. You cruise. Then you play a team that is formidable and ready for you and that is actually ready and physically can match you. It is like getting cold water thrown in your face.
“This is the game, but next game you have to be careful if you are Tennessee.”
No. 3 Tennessee put on an offensive clinic in its 88-56 win against No. 14 Longwood. The Vols face No. 11 Michigan on Saturday. The Wolverines upset No. 6 Colorado State 76-63 to advance to the second round.
Smith references times that Tar Heels coach Dean Smith wiped the game plan off the board prior to facing lowly seeded teams and told his team to play hard and it would win. He stated UT’s game against the Lancers was such a contest.
VOLS VS. WOLVERINES: Tennessee basketball vs. Michigan in NCAA Tournament 2022: Score prediction, scouting report
PICKS: Tennessee basketball vs. Michigan Wolverines expert picks for NCAA Tournament game
TV, LIVESTREAM INFO: How to watch Tennessee vs. Michigan in NCAA Tournament on TV, live stream plus game time
“They have to be very careful not to come in thinking they are playing Longwood again and come out and take it,” Smith said during the postgame show. “There are shots that are available in this game that will not be available in the other game. There are cuts that you take that will not be available, passes.”
Charles Barkley, an Auburn product, came to Tennessee’s defense. He bluntly declared if UT played like it did against Longwood, it would beat Michigan. He noted that Tennessee won the SEC Tournament title and had found consistent offense in recent weeks.
“This notion they are going to be shocked? They aren’t going to be shocked by anybody they play in the next round,” Barkley said. “They are playing as well as any team in the country right now.”
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Kenny Smith warns Tennessee basketball ahead of Michigan game on CBS
