Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes met with the media on Thursday afternoon for the first time since the Vols’ loss to Purdue in the Elite Eight last month in Detroit.
The big topic of conversation on Thursday didn’t revolve around the loss to the Boilermakers or leftover storylines from the previous season, instead focusing on the hectic nature and the immediate impact of the transfer portal.
Tennessee has seen four players enter the portal since the end of the season (Freddie Dilione, D.J. Jefferson, Tobe Awaka, Jonas Aidoo) but has also hauled in a solid transfer wing from Hofstra with Darlinstone “DStone” Dubar. Barnes discussed his thoughts on the portal, the idea of welcoming players back, the surprising nature of Aidoo’s decision, and more.
“So every year the excitement of putting together a team and putting the parts together is, honestly, it’s fun. It really is,” Barnes said. “So we’re looking forward to continuing to build this roster.”
In addition to the portal, though, Barnes also touched on some of the upcoming things around the program. Barnes spoke about Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack’s roles throughout the offseason, the culture in the program, Cam Carr’s development, and more.
More from RTI: Inside Darlinstone Dubar’s Path to Tennessee
Check out Rick Barnes’ full press conference from Thursday in Knoxville below:
Tennessee HC Rick Barnes
Check out a full transcription of Rick Barnes’ press conference by clicking here.
