Enjoy it. Really.

[Stoerner Fumbles]

I posted a week or so about our decline in faith/interest in certain HS prospects, and our shift to portal players in this recruiting cycle. This came from my friend who is a regular source for information inside the program, and a prominent (top ten) booster. I sat with the two of them at a game. In the middle of this, I started to question why some of these situations with HS players had shifted dramatically and quickly. There were reasons from the player side (hometown school for Mallory, money for Burries) that explained the changes in optimism, but it also piqued my curiosity about changes in attitude on our side. I asked whether Barnes’ plans about the future might be a reason for either a win now portal team before he goes, or if he might retire this year after the tournament. I didn’t get good straight answers beyond “Those are great questions”. I did get a straight answer that DW has a succession plan, and thoughts on what’s next that include RB having many options for remaining a part of the culture, but not steering the hire. All of that made me wonder whether we’re seeing our last dance with Coach Barnes. There were other details that suggested this might be the last year, but I’d have to step on some privacy to share them. Suffice it to say, I do not “know” that he’s planning to retire. I do know he’s considering it, and in counsel with those he cares about most. He had a similar moment a few years back, and decided he was happiest coaching, and returned. For all the whining we do, and noting of imperfections, I’d suggest we all enjoy this ride, with these players, and this coach. Whether he stays or goes, we’re seeing a brand of basketball, a type of player and a breed of leader that is rare to find these days. As always, I hope we win it all, but I’m going to pay attention and appreciate what we’re witnessing. We won’t see it again.

 

[McGeesPub]

When I read your original post I thought that might be the case, but my hope was that maybe the stars would align for ZZ, Mashack, JG to get good news on the eligibility front and that next year would be a “run it back one last time” type year under RB. It sounds like we are trending more to this year being that year.

You are right, we will look back on these as the good ol’ days of UT basketball.

 

[lostsheep]

Thanks for the info.
Not the potential news any of us want to hear, but I guess we have to trust DW and hope for the best.
I appreciate CRB doing what he has done for our program, not only in wins/losses, but also in the culture category.
Let's enjoy the ride over the next few weeks and appreciate what we have while we have it! Go Vols!

 

[omghulkhands]

I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ll be forever grateful for Rick’s time leading the men’s basketball program..whenever that may come to an end.

 

[Godfatha]

We were very fortunate he landed in our laps (thank you, Texas).

 

[cncchris33]

The more this grows national legs, which it is, the more I am inclined to believe we are at the end. And I get it because it makes sense to live a life outside of basketball while he still has his health and can do it. Losing the kind of leadership and guys he dearly loves like ZZ and Mashack also makes it difficult to reset the culture in this transient nature of CBB. I think he just knows that the time is right. I will always appreciate the 10 years he gave Tennessee if this is the final one. Great man, great coach.

 

[RyanWalkerPGH]

We really need this 5th year thing to pass. Feel like without it, this is over.

 

[wtmvol]

 

[TheMookieMonster]

I had been afraid of this since the season began, and maybe that was why I was hard on this particular team at times when it seemed unfair. But, it’s simply because I want Rick to go out on top. He’s devoted 10 years of his life to this program, and he’s arguably the best to ever walk that on that court as the coach of Tennessee. So, I desperately want him to be the one that brings home the first ever Final Four to this program.

It all makes sense, as others have said. Next year is headed to a massive rebuild without two of his favorite players he’s ever coached, if not THE two favorite players.

If this is the last rodeo, I hope it ends on a high note for him. I would hate for his last impression he left on our fanbase be an early exit. Our knuckleheads already don’t appreciate him enough.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

The more this grows national legs, which it is, the more I am inclined to believe we are at the end. And I get it because it makes sense to live a life outside of basketball while he still has his health and can do it. Losing the kind of leadership and guys he dearly loves like ZZ and Mashack also makes it difficult to reset the culture in this transient nature of CBB. I think he just knows that the time is right. I will always appreciate the 10 years he gave Tennessee if this is the final one. Great man, great coach.

Yes. I assume “national legs” come from coaches or agents since those are contact points for the commentators who’ve been speculating. It’s a piece of information that can be weaponized too. It almost makes the uncertainty equal to him leaving in the eyes of recruits. I have to say I had an unexpected sinking feeling in my gut when the booster discussed a “succession plan”. That’s not something a program can do without causing leaks. It is what it is. Barnes deflected a question about his future after Senior Day ceremonies. He said, “It isn’t about me today. We can talk about that later. I’m just thankful for these Seniors”. There’s still a lot of thread to unwind, but the crows are definitely talking.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ll be forever grateful for Rick’s time leading the men’s basketball program..whenever that may come to an end.

For those of us who’ve played a decent amount of organized basketball (I think you’re in that group) it’s hard to overstate what he gets out of the kids who buy in. It’s also hard to overstate how unselfish he is when it comes to players making hard choices about their future. He really is all in on his belief in them even when that means telling them to move on to the next step.

 

[TrippieRedd]

I don’t think I could cheer for another basketball coach.

 

[OffTackleVol]

I had been afraid of this since the season began, and maybe that was why I was hard on this particular team at times when it seemed unfair. But, it’s simply because I want Rick to go out on top. He’s devoted 10 years of his life to this program, and he’s arguably the best to ever walk that on that court as the coach of Tennessee. So, I desperately want him to be the one that brings home the first ever Final Four to this program.

It all makes sense, as others have said. Next year is headed to a massive rebuild without two of his favorite players he’s ever coached, if not THE two favorite players.

If this is the last rodeo, I hope it ends on a high note for him. I would hate for his last impression he left on our fanbase be an early exit. Our knuckleheads already don’t appreciate him enough.

Hard to believe it's been 10 years. Two regular season championships, one tournament championship, and 7 NCAA appearances. Maybe what I'm most proud of is the six seasons of 25 or more wins. Mears was great, but I've got to give RB the nod as our best.

 

[omghulkhands]

Yes. I assume “national legs” come from coaches or agents since those are contact points for the commentators who’ve been speculating. It’s a piece of information that can be weaponized too. It almost makes the uncertainty equal to him leaving in the eyes of recruits. I have to say I had an unexpected sinking feeling in my gut when the booster discussed a “succession plan”. That’s not something a program can do without causing leaks. It is what it is. Barnes deflected a question about his future after Senior Day ceremonies. He said, “It isn’t about me today. We can talk about that later. I’m just thankful for these Seniors”. There’s still a lot of thread to unwind, but the crows are definitely talking.

Not a lot of people in this business get the dignity of retiring on their own terms.

I’m glad CBB will have that opportunity.

Also, I’d be fine with Gainey being elevated and getting a shot.

I mean, if you really listen to interviews with Barnes, he has delegated a lot to his assistants. And I’m not sure they get enough well deserved credit for our success these last couple years most specifically.

 

[mrmax86]

Not only has Barnes had historical success at UT, but he's also re-established a winning culture that was missing between his and Pearl's tenures. He has given us so much, and has set us up for even more. DW steering the ship gives me hope for who's next, but for now, I'm also just enjoying every game. I know the men will give their all for Rick and for UT in this tournament.

 

[American_PitVol]

That's not what he said. LOL... one of my favorite movies ever.

 

[deezvols]

It’ll be tough to see RB retire, but we have the best AD in the country and I have full confidence that he will be ready to put another winner in place when the time comes.

 

[Unconditional Surrender]

Thanks for info. This lines up with valued and trusted Richard G West News from a few weeks back.

 

[wtmvol]

That's not what he said. LOL... one of my favorite movies ever.

This is a family show

 

[volfaninpa]

To your point about rumors being out there about this being it for RB. This is the last line from ESPN's team capsules posted yesterday.

"There are retirement rumors floating around about coach Rick Barnes. If this is the end for him, he could author a magical finish with this group."

Gratitude for what we have is the better way than constantly envying what we perceive we don't.

 

[vollygirl]

I posted a week or so about our decline in faith/interest in certain HS prospects, and our shift to portal players in this recruiting cycle. This came from my friend who is a regular source for information inside the program, and a prominent (top ten) booster. I sat with the two of them at a game. In the middle of this, I started to question why some of these situations with HS players had shifted dramatically and quickly. There were reasons from the player side (hometown school for Mallory, money for Burries) that explained the changes in optimism, but it also piqued my curiosity about changes in attitude on our side. I asked whether Barnes’ plans about the future might be a reason for either a win now portal team before he goes, or if he might retire this year after the tournament. I didn’t get good straight answers beyond “Those are great questions”. I did get a straight answer that DW has a succession plan, and thoughts on what’s next that include RB having many options for remaining a part of the culture, but not steering the hire. All of that made me wonder whether we’re seeing our last dance with Coach Barnes. There were other details that suggested this might be the last year, but I’d have to step on some privacy to share them. Suffice it to say, I do not “know” that he’s planning to retire. I do know he’s considering it, and in counsel with those he cares about most. He had a similar moment a few years back, and decided he was happiest coaching, and returned. For all the whining we do, and noting of imperfections, I’d suggest we all enjoy this ride, with these players, and this coach. Whether he stays or goes, we’re seeing a brand of basketball, a type of player and a breed of leader that is rare to find these days. As always, I hope we win it all, but I’m going to pay attention and appreciate what we’re witnessing. We won’t see it again.

I listened to his comments about Tennessee while hubby and I were eating breakfast this morning and said, "You take that back!" It sounded too much like a good bye to me.

 

[cncchris33]

I had been afraid of this since the season began, and maybe that was why I was hard on this particular team at times when it seemed unfair. But, it’s simply because I want Rick to go out on top. He’s devoted 10 years of his life to this program, and he’s arguably the best to ever walk that on that court as the coach of Tennessee. So, I desperately want him to be the one that brings home the first ever Final Four to this program.

It all makes sense, as others have said. Next year is headed to a massive rebuild without two of his favorite players he’s ever coached, if not THE two favorite players.

If this is the last rodeo, I hope it ends on a high note for him. I would hate for his last impression he left on our fanbase be an early exit. Our knuckleheads already don’t appreciate him enough.

I'm not even sure it's arguable.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

I'm not even sure it's arguable.

Everything is arguable if you try hard enough. I’m sure there are plenty of Pearl zealots out there who would vehemently disagree with me.

 

[GiveHim6InSC]

Yes. I assume “national legs” come from coaches or agents since those are contact points for the commentators who’ve been speculating. It’s a piece of information that can be weaponized too. It almost makes the uncertainty equal to him leaving in the eyes of recruits. I have to say I had an unexpected sinking feeling in my gut when the booster discussed a “succession plan”. That’s not something a program can do without causing leaks. It is what it is. Barnes deflected a question about his future after Senior Day ceremonies. He said, “It isn’t about me today. We can talk about that later. I’m just thankful for these Seniors”. There’s still a lot of thread to unwind, but the crows are definitely talking.

Absolutely could also be used to negatively recruit. Others know who’s graduating this year, as well as the state of the program. I trust CRB and DW have worked through this day, whenever it may come, and will do what’s best for all involved. I hope he stays on awhile, personally. He’s a fantastic coach and ambassador for the University. His records and accomplishments speak for themselves. He has a great perspective and will do what’s best. GB

 

[Chaz-Vol]

Yes. I assume “national legs” come from coaches or agents since those are contact points for the commentators who’ve been speculating. It’s a piece of information that can be weaponized too. It almost makes the uncertainty equal to him leaving in the eyes of recruits. I have to say I had an unexpected sinking feeling in my gut when the booster discussed a “succession plan”. That’s not something a program can do without causing leaks. It is what it is. Barnes deflected a question about his future after Senior Day ceremonies. He said, “It isn’t about me today. We can talk about that later. I’m just thankful for these Seniors”. There’s still a lot of thread to unwind, but the crows are definitely talking.

I think also part of the national legs is just reading preview series for the vols has part about possibly being Barnes last ride.

Regardless, after the rudderless direction vols were in for 2010s he provided us with success and winning we may not get again for a while. He really made it easy to cheer for vols with the culture he built and realize how lucky we were compared to how lot of other coaches are blowhards.