Rick Barnes isn't just coaching; he's reinventing. After more than a decade leading the Tennessee Volunteers, he faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet: molding a squad brimming with fresh faces into a championship contender. Can he do it again?
Barnes, a name synonymous with Tennessee basketball, needs no introduction to Vol Nation. Under his guidance, the program has ascended to the sport's elite. For the past four seasons, the Volunteers have been a constant presence in the Associated Press Top 25, a remarkable 80-week streak that included an impressive 50 weeks in the top 10 and even a stint at the coveted No. 1 spot. Moreover, Tennessee has reached the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight twice in a row, a feat they had only accomplished once before Barnes' arrival in 2015. This is no small feat, considering the level of competition in college basketball.
Tennessee has consistently demonstrated excellence, securing at least 25 wins in six of the past eight seasons and even surpassing 30 victories on two occasions. These numbers speak volumes about Barnes' ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball. At 71, he proves that experience, combined with a willingness to embrace change, is a winning formula.
"In all my time in college basketball, we've had to adapt every year to something," Barnes stated during a recent news conference. He highlighted the constant flux of the sport and emphasized the necessity of adaptation for survival. "There have been so many different changes throughout my career in basketball, and you just adapt or it's not going to work. With where we are today, I'm very thankful for our administration. They've done everything in terms of what we have to do to be competitive and how it has to be done, and I appreciate that. They know exactly what we've got to do and our formula, and we're going to stick with it."
But here's where it gets controversial... Barnes' unwavering commitment to his "formula" raises an interesting question: can a system that has consistently produced strong regular seasons also translate to consistent deep runs in the NCAA Tournament? Some might argue that a more flexible approach, tailored to specific opponents and tournament conditions, is necessary to break through to the Final Four.
Barnes acknowledges the potential for future adjustments, stating, "That's not to say it may not change tomorrow, but we are in the position where we are always ready to adapt to change and pivot different ways based on where we are and what might happen." This suggests a willingness to evolve, even while maintaining a core philosophy.
As Barnes embarks on his 39th season as a head coach, holding the title of active wins leader in Division I men's basketball with an astounding 836 victories, he faces a unique challenge with his 11th iteration of the Volunteers. This year's team is significantly different from last year's, and it might take some time for the players to get to know each other's names, let alone playing styles.
Only two players – 6-foot-11 senior forward Felix Okpara and 6-9 junior forward Cade Phillips – were significant contributors to the previous season's 30-8 team. This significant roster turnover doesn't necessarily equate to a lack of experience, however. Barnes strategically utilized the NCAA transfer portal to bolster his squad, adding seasoned players such as 6-1 senior guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (formerly of Maryland), 6-3 senior guard Amaree Abram (from Louisiana Tech), and 6-8 junior forward Jaylen Carey (previously at Vanderbilt). Each of these players brings a unique skill set and a proven track record.
Furthermore, Tennessee welcomed 6-3 sophomore guard Ethan Burg, who gained valuable international experience as a member of Israel's senior national team this past summer. The team also boasts a highly touted freshman class, headlined by 6-10 forward Nate Ament, ranked eighth nationally by 247Sports.com. Ament's arrival has generated considerable buzz, with many analysts predicting a significant impact.
"I would think the most consistent guys have been Ja'Kobi and Felix," Barnes observed. "For a young guy, I think Nate Ament has done a pretty good job with that, too, because a lot has been thrown at him. Everyone has shown that they can do it, but it's just a matter of putting the back-to-back days together." Barnes emphasizes the importance of consistency and the challenge of maintaining a high level of performance day after day.
He also praised Burg's rapid adaptation, noting, "I've been impressive with Ethan and what he's done in a short time and being able to pick up the practices. He's shown a real willingness to figure a whole different game for himself."
Ament, the nation's No. 4 prospect in the 2025 signing class from Manassas, Virginia, holds the distinction of being Tennessee's highest-rated signee in the 247Sports rankings this century. He surpasses previous top recruits such as Kennedy Chandler (2021), Tobias Harris (2010), and Scotty Hopson (2008). This speaks volumes about Ament's potential and the high expectations surrounding his arrival.
"When you work as hard as Nate works, he's going to progress, but it's all new to him," Barnes explained. "He's learning to play on the perimeter consistently for the first time in his life. He's guarding guards now, whereas in high school he was mostly matched against post guys." This highlights the significant adjustments Ament is making to his game, adapting to a different role and level of competition.
"He's learning how to play a lot away from the basket, and it's fun, because he's improving every day. I wouldn't put a cap on him, because who knows what he might end up being before he's done here." Barnes' enthusiasm for Ament's development is evident, and he clearly believes the young forward has a bright future.
Tennessee's interior game should be significantly strengthened this season with the presence of Okpara, Carey, Phillips, 6-11 redshirt sophomore J.P. Estrella, and 6-8, 251-pound freshman DeWayne Brown. This depth will provide Barnes with more options and flexibility in the frontcourt.
"I've watched some tape of our games last year, and we went games on games and didn't really try to post the ball," Barnes revealed. "That's going to be different, because we'll have a chance to do that in various ways. That could be a major difference." The renewed emphasis on post play could add a new dimension to Tennessee's offense.
Tennessee's previous season ended with losses to eventual national champion Florida in the Southeastern Conference tournament final and to eventual runner-up Houston in the Elite Eight. The Volunteers will have a chance for revenge against Houston at the Players Era Men's Championship in Las Vegas on Nov. 25. Before that, their first five games will be played at home against Mercer, Northern Kentucky, North Florida, Rice, and Tennessee State.
On Sunday, Oct. 26, Tennessee will host Duke in an exhibition game that will be televised at 7 p.m. by ESPN, a highly anticipated matchup that will provide an early glimpse of both teams.
"I think the biggest thing is that we've got so many new guys, and we're going to get introduced to those new guys here pretty soon," Barnes said. "Being around them every day, we've got a really good group of guys who have a real commitment to each other, and that's not just me coach-speaking. That's one thing that's shown that we weren't sure about." This highlights the importance of team chemistry, especially with a roster featuring so many new faces.
"When you bring in a lot of guys, you wonder how they're going to blend, and they've done a great job of that." Barnes expressed his satisfaction with the team's early cohesion, a crucial factor for success.
Making History
Grant Hurst, who participated in senior day festivities in March as a redshirt junior, decided to return for his final season.
Hurst had a compelling reason for his return: his younger sister, Lauren, is now a freshman guard/forward for Kim Caldwell's Lady Vols. The two former Cleveland High School standouts are making history as the first brother-sister duo to play basketball for Tennessee simultaneously.
"I think this is a really, really cool position that Lauren and I are in, and I think we both are here for a reason together," Hurst told UTsports.com. "I think that we've already kind of experienced a brother-sister moment that you can't really put into words, but it will always be in our heart, and it will always be something that we can go back and look on as far as being here together for a year."
"It's just a feeling of so many different things — love, hard work, and appreciation. Above all that, it's just a true blessing." Hurst's words capture the significance of this unique opportunity for the siblings.
Hurst began his college career at UT Martin and played the past two seasons as a walk-on for the Vols before earning a scholarship.
Green Commits
Tennessee has secured the second commitment for its 2026 class, receiving a nonbinding pledge from 6-6, 205-pound forward Manny Green of Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia. Green is ranked among the top five prospects in Georgia by 247Sports and as the nation's No. 101 overall recruit.
Green joins forward Ralph Scott (6-8, 190) of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, as four-star prospects committed to the Vols. Their class is currently ranked 13th by 247Sports, indicating a promising future for the program.
So, what do you think? Can Rick Barnes work his magic again with this revamped roster? Will the influx of new talent translate into a deeper tournament run? And how important is team chemistry in achieving success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
