Tennessee basketball head coach Rick Barnes has been chosen as one of 36 nominees for the 2024 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class.
On Thursday, Tennessee made the news official regarding Barnes’ nomination along with a video of Barnes learning the news. Barnes’ granddaughter, Avery, presented the UT head coach with the news.
The video was taken when the team was in San Antonio ahead of their matchup against NC State. Below is the video of Barnes’ reaction to the news while surrounded by his team.
Rick got the news in San Antonio with a little assist from his granddaughter Avery 🎁 https://t.co/f3QrZbqS62 pic.twitter.com/PpIfrhYrrc
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) December 21, 2023
“The good Lord has looked out for me for a long, long time,” Barnes said of his nomination on Thursday night. “Even way back when probably (I) was growing in trying to figure out how to be the head basketball coach. But it’s always been about the players, it’s always been about our staff. I’ve always tried to pride myself in hiring people that I thought was better than me. I think that when you’re in a leadership position, you got to be someone who’s going more learn something every day. And the way you do that, you surround yourself with great people.
“Then my family. And they’ve stuck with me. I mean, I think I’ve what made ten moves over the years. … But anytime you’re involved in a team sport and you’re singled out for something, always goes back to being a team sport and all those that have helped you along the way and been there with you along the way. They’re as much a part of it as anybody.”
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The hall of fame class finalists will be announced on Friday, Feb. 16 during the NBA All-Star weekend, and the complete 2024 class will be announced on Saturday, April 6 during the Final Four.
