The November interim between the splashy start of the season and onrush of Feast Week basketball is customarily somewhat calm. Not this season. We've already seen James Wiseman make a startling departure of indefinite duration, while Myles Powell recorded a surprisingly fast return. Therefore, my first hot take is that November 2019 has been wild.
Here are some other such takes that I think I can prove ...
Rick Barnes is on a multiyear tear that few saw coming
When Tennessee tipped off Rick Barnes' third season in Knoxville with a home game against Presbyterian on Nov. 10, 2017, the head coach's record with the Volunteers stood at 31-35. Since that day, however, Barnes has gone 60-15, with win No. 60 coming Saturday afternoon by the score of 75-62 on a neutral floor in Toronto against No. 20 Washington.