Rick Barnes Looks Ahead as Tennessee Basketball Embraces Summer Overhaul
Coach Rick Barnes discusses the progress of his team during summer practice, highlighting the development of new players and the team's overall performance.
Jun 25, 2026
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Felix Okpara
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Rick Barnes on Tennessee’s Summer Evolution and Draft Impact
Coach Rick Barnes reflects on the team’s progress, highlighting NBA draft selections and the emergence of key players as the Volunteers gear up for a new season.
Jun 25, 2026
Tennessee Basketball’s Summer Practice Offers Glimpse of New Dynamics
The first media‑open summer practice revealed a work‑in‑progress roster, notable individual performances and the coaching staff’s early assessments.
Jun 25, 2026
Tennessee’s Finest Aim for NBA Glory in Draft Night
Two Tennessee-connected basketball stars, Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Felix Okpara, were selected in the NBA draft, marking a milestone for the region and sparking celebrations across their communities.
Jun 25, 2026
Miles Rubin to Anchor Tennessee Basketball Frontcourt
Miles Rubin is set to replace Felix Okpara as Tennessee's center, bringing a blend of size, vertical leap and a long‑standing partnership with teammate Dai Dai Ames. Coach Rick Barnes sees the new frontcourt as a chance to prove its depth and versatility.
Jun 25, 2026
Felix Okpara’s Draft Journey Highlights Tennessee’s NBA Pipeline
Nigerian forward Felix Okpara was chosen by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft before being dealt to the Washington Wizards, bringing a defensive mindset and a unique personal history to the capital.
Jun 25, 2026
Tennessee Alumni Make NBA Draft Impact
Two former University of Tennessee players were selected in the recent NBA draft, highlighting the state's growing basketball pipeline.
Jun 25, 2026
Felix Okpara Selected 46th Overall in 2026 NBA Draft
Felix Okpara was picked 46th overall by the Orlando Magic and traded to the Washington Wizards, joining a Tennessee draft class that made history with multiple selections in back‑to‑back years.
Jun 25, 2026
Felix Okpara Drafted by Washington Wizards, Completing a Journey from Lagos to the NBA
From the streets of Lagos to the courts of Knoxville, Felix Okpara's path to the NBA culminated when the Washington Wizards selected him with the 46th pick in the 2026 draft, capping a defensive reputation that earned him All‑SEC honors.
Jun 25, 2026
Ja’Kobi Gillespie Drafted by San Antonio Spurs, Continuing Tennessee’s NBA Pipeline
Greeneville’s Ja'Kobi Gillespie was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Draft, capping a college career that saw him lead the Tennessee Vols to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight while earning All‑SEC honors.
Jun 25, 2026
Tennessee Volunteers lock in 2026‑27 SEC slate amid major roster overhaul
Tennessee’s 2026‑27 SEC schedule is set, featuring nine home and nine away games, a revamped roster, and key departures.
Jun 25, 2026
College Players Dominate 2026 NBA Draft as NIL Reshapes Pathways
The 2026 NBA draft saw every first‑round pick emerge from college programs, a shift driven by new compensation rules and the demise of the G League Ignite program.
Jun 24, 2026
NBA Draft Day 2: Tennessee Alumni Shine in Brooklyn
Day two of the NBA draft at Barclays Center highlighted the movement of former Tennessee players, with trades to Milwaukee, Los Angeles and other franchises, while ESPN’s rankings spotlighted several Volunteers still in the mix.
Jun 24, 2026
Isaiah Evans Falls to Second Round as NBA Draft Unfolds
The first round of the NBA draft surprised many as Isaiah Evans, a Duke standout, was not selected, opening the stage for a deep pool of talent including Meleek Thomas, Henri Veesaar and others.
Jun 24, 2026
Nate Ament Drafted 13th by Milwaukee Bucks, Eyes NBA Impact
Nate Ament, the 6‑foot‑10 forward from Tennessee, was selected 13th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring and defensive potential, he averaged 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in his freshman season and is expected to develop his three‑point shooting and adapt to the NBA's physicality.
Jun 24, 2026
Five Tennessee Vols Prospects Set for NBA Draft Night in Brooklyn
The NBA draft opens on Tuesday with the first round at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Five former Tennessee Volunteers are projected to be selected, highlighted by Nate Ament’s ninth‑overall projection and Cameron Carr’s 15th‑overall outlook.
Jun 23, 2026
Tennessee’s NBA Draft Pipeline Extends to 2026
Nate Ament is slated to hear his name called in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Draft, joining a lineage of Volunteers who have turned college success into professional opportunities.
Jun 23, 2026
Nate Ament Rises to No. 9 in ESPN’s Final NBA Mock Draft
Ament’s projected top‑10 pick, alongside Tennessee teammates Okpara and Gillespie, underscores the volatility of this year’s draft.
Jun 22, 2026
Tennessee Alumni Eye 2026 NBA Draft Selections
With the 2026 NBA Draft set to begin June 23, three former Volunteers are slated to hear their names called, each with distinct projections and storylines.
Jun 22, 2026
Tennessee’s Draft‑Bound Trio Eyes NBA Futures
With the 2026 NBA Draft set for next Wednesday, three Tennessee standouts — including transfer Juke Harris — are poised to make an impact, even as early projections omit the sharpshooter from the top 30.
Jun 20, 2026
Tennessee Freshman Nate Ament Climbs to No. 9 in ESPN Draft Rankings
Nate Ament, a Tennessee freshman, is ranked ninth in ESPN's final NBA Draft Top 100, projected as a lottery selection, while teammates Felix Okpara and Ja'Kobi Gillespie hold late‑first‑round positions. The NBA Draft will be broadcast Tuesday and Wednesday on ABC and ESPN.
Jun 20, 2026
Tennessee’s 2026 NBA Draft Prospects Eye Late Lottery and Second‑Round Slots
Tennessee’s 2026 NBA Draft prospects — Nate Ament, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Felix Okpara — are projected across the first and second rounds, with pundit Ryan Hammer’s rankings shaping expectations.
Jun 19, 2026
Felix Okpara’s Defensive Skills Position Him as a Key Piece for the Denver Nuggets
Felix Okpara, the Tennessee standout known for his defensive instincts, is projected to join the Denver Nuggets, where his rim protection could complement Nikola Jokic’s game.
Jun 18, 2026
Felix Okpara Projected as Denver Nuggets’ No. 49 Pick in NBA Draft
Tennessee’s standout big man Felix Okpara is expected to be selected at pick 49 by the Denver Nuggets, a move that could bolster the team’s interior defense and complement Nikola Jokic’s playmaking.
Jun 18, 2026