If you’re uncertain about Tennessee Basketball head coach Rick Barnes’ future as a Vol, welcome to the club. Recent developments have made things even more confusing as a Sweet 16 matchup with Kentucky looms on the horizon.
Let’s start with Troy Henderson, the three-star point guard from John Marshall High School in Richmond, Va., who committed to being a member of Tennessee’s 2025 class. Clearly, he’s committing to Barnes, who has an incredible resume of molding young men while turning them into tough, skilled basketball players. Henderson isn’t expecting a coaching change anytime soon.
Once committed to Fordham, Henderson is now planning on spending four or five years at Tennessee. Does anyone think Barnes will be around that long? Possibly so. He apparently hasn’t stopped recruiting. However, as is often the case, there are differing signals from Barnes’ camp.
Forward Jahmai Mashack knows Barnes is in the twilight of his career. That’s why he wants to to secure a championship for his head coach along with fellow senior, point guard Zakai Zeigler.
“For me and Z, I talked to him about it, this Final Four run and national championship run isn’t for us, it’s for him (Barnes),” Mashack said after Tennessee advanced to the Sweet 16. “We win. We love winning. We love getting the recognition, but we want it for him most of all. And I think that’s just the main thing is trying to win every game for Coach Barnes because he deserves more recognition than he gets.”
So how much longer will Barnes coach? No one knows, including Barnes.
Based on numerous sources who have spoken to Off The Hook Sports, Barnes was close to retiring following last season. After much contemplation and prayer, he decided to return. There is every indication that he’ll assess just how much longer he wants to coach after this season. If you’re looking for a prediction, I believe Barnes will return. However, there is absolutely no certainty in that notion.
There’s every reason to believe that Barnes is tied to this senior class, most notably Zeigler, who is the embodiment of what Barnes wants in a basketball player. Maybe Barnes believes Henderson can be that.
If so, don’t be surprised if Barnes coaches another four seasons. However, that’s asking a lot of Henderson. Zeigler is a tough act to follow.
Should Tennessee win a national championship or even just make a Final Four, that could affect Barnes’ decision. However, I don’t believe that will be the determining factor. I believe Barnes will make his decision based on his connection with his players. Just how strong is that connection some key players, such as Zeigler and Mashack.
