Show Me My Opponent, 2022-23: Butler, Battle 4 Atlantis Quarterfinals

turning dirt into diamonds

The Battle 4 Atlantis is a lot of things. Confusingly, it does not take place in Atlantis, the antagonist power in Plato’s Timaeus dialogue (or the 2001 Disney movie), but rather Atlantis Paradise Island, which is a mondo hotel in the Bahamas. It is not sponsored by any sea-faring companies, but rather Bad Boy Mowers, which is a product not known for working in an ocean. It also takes place in a hotel ballroom?

yes I know this is a practice court but UT’s practicing in the Disney Hall of Presidents

Tennessee played in this event in 2017, a season that served as the kick-starter to the New Good Era of Tennessee men’s hoops. They start their second run at the B4A against Butler, who rehired Thad Matta away from retirement this offseason and already looks more competent by doing so. This section was going to end with a kitschy bit about the combined age of the head coaches, but I found out Thad Matta is 55 and am deeply shook, so let’s just preview the game.

BELOW THE LINE ($): which way, Midwestern Matta?

Happy Thanksgiving Week! If you’d like to read this post and all Tennessee previews, you can use the below offer to get a subscription for just $15 for a full year. I consider it worthwhile.