
Tennessee Basketball’s Offseason Overhaul: New Faces, New Expectations
Tennessee’s basketball program navigates a transformative offseason, blending new talent with seasoned leadership under coach Rick Barnes.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Zakai Zeigler across Basketball.

Tennessee’s basketball program navigates a transformative offseason, blending new talent with seasoned leadership under coach Rick Barnes.

Manny Green, a 6‑foot‑7 freshman, is immersing himself in the defensive techniques of Tennessee’s recent stalwarts, aiming to translate film study into on‑court impact.

A 4‑star prospect discusses his offseason progress, mentorship, and excitement for an upcoming exhibition game at Duke.

The 6‑7 freshman is quickly carving out a role through relentless learning, defensive intensity, and a willingness to embrace the program’s culture.

Despite eligibility hurdles and injury setbacks, the Volunteers are building depth and chemistry as they target a deep tournament run.

The Volunteers are shifting from an offense‑first identity to a balanced approach that emphasizes defensive development while preserving scoring threats.

The Volunteers wrapped up summer practices, showcasing new guard talent, emerging frontcourt pieces, and vocal leadership from returning stalwarts.
From record‑setting assists at the University of Tennessee to a summer with the Spurs and a future in the Basketball Bundesliga, Zakai Zeigler shares his journey, his community work, and the next step toward Germany.

Five former Tennessee Volunteers basketball players rejoined the program for a practice session, engaging in scrimmages, sharing NBA experiences, and offering guidance to the current roster under Coach Rick Barnes.

Antonio Pemberton, a 6‑foot‑1 scoring guard ranked No. 33 in the 2027 class, has trimmed his list to eight programs, keeping Tennessee among his finalists. With a 24‑point average and a championship run, the recruit’s next move could reshape the Vols’ backcourt.
Four Volunteers alumni — Gillespie, Miličić, Zeigler and Ament — delivered memorable performances in a summer league game, highlighting new professional trajectories and future prospects.

In his first press conference in Knoxville, the former VCU standout outlined his role, the team’s dynamics, and his message to the next generation.

The 2026 NBA Summer League featured a dozen former Volunteers, highlighting performances from Chaz Lanier, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament, while Jahmai Mashack’s Memphis Grizzlies narrowly missed the championship.

The upcoming documentary 'It's Not About Me' will premiere on July 30, 2026, chronicling Rick Barnes' storied career and the future of Tennessee basketball.
Eleven former Tennessee basketball players participated in the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League, with standout performances from Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack and others.

Coach Rick Barnes discusses the team's defensive strides, the emergence of key players, and the challenges of blending new talent ahead of the upcoming season.

During a media session, Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes outlined the team's defensive advancements, injury statuses, and the emerging leadership roles of key players as summer practices near their conclusion.

Strength coach Garrett Medenwald is reshaping the Volunteers with a focus on movement efficiency, player‑driven accountability and veteran mentorship.

Director of Sports Performance Garrett Medenwald details the team's focus on chemistry, player‑driven accountability and the impact of returning veterans as Tennessee prepares for the upcoming season.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie made his NBA Summer League debut for the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 10 points and dishing out eight assists in a narrow 88-87 defeat to the Miami Heat. The performance highlights both promise and shooting struggles as the Spurs gear up for games against the Warriors and Lakers.

Three Volunteers alumni head to the California Classic as the NBA Summer League opens this weekend.

Zakai Zeigler, a standout for the Tennessee Volunteers, is set to debut with the San Antonio Spurs in the summer league after a season in France, joining a group of former Volunteers seeking new opportunities.

After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, Tobe Awaka has inked a two‑way contract with the Chicago Bulls. The 6‑foot‑8 forward, who honed his game under Rick Barnes at Tennessee and later at Arizona, will get his first taste of NBA action during the Summer League and training camp.

The first media‑open summer practice revealed a work‑in‑progress roster, notable individual performances and the coaching staff’s early assessments.