Posted by: Pete Roussel on March 6, 2012

This video will go over well.  And it's something other coaches can utilize in the future.

First-year Tennessee basketball coach Cuonzo Martin inherited a tough situation when he arrived in Knoxville a year ago.  The Vols were predicted to finish 11th overall in the SEC and fans didn't have high hopes.

Martin, however, has built a team that is flat out nasty when it comes to playing defense.

Two days after securing a huge win over Vanderbilt and completely suffocating the Commodores deadly outside shooting, Martin expressed his appreciation to the 22,171 fans that played a big role at Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday.

It's very noticeable the Vols actually play harder than most teams.  You don't see that often in college athletics, but yes, Martin's team plays with a relentless effort that has led to a great sense of pride for Tennessee fans.

Tennessee is now 18-13 overall, in second-place in the SEC.  With a win in the SEC tournament, what seemed totally unlikely at the beginning of the season will be a reality.  The Vols will make the NCAA tournament.

Despite the low expectations entering the season, Tennessee fans did their part.  The Vols finished fifth nationally in regular season attendance by averaging 17,411 per game.  That trailed only Kentucky, Syracuse, Louisville, and UNC.

Listen and watch to the sincerity Martin has when expressing his appreciation of the support his team has received.  There is no doubt the Tennessee fans have played a part in this team's success.

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