Is Rick Barnes Committed to Tennessee?

I'm just not buying it. He might fail but I don't think it's because he's lazy and semi-retired.

 

I'm not accusing him of something rare or strange. Most successful coaches get complacent and lazy as they get older. I just don't like hiring a guy whose already in the lazy stage of his career.

 

That was a really stupid thing for his assistant to say, because it's going to be the only thing people focus on if the team is losing.

I also don't think it's necessarily true.

 

I think you're right on the first bit, but it's a self-inflicted wound.

I can't fathom why he'd not only say it, but then tried to rationalize it - live on the radio, during a formal interview - if it wasn't true.

And has Barnes ever corrected his statements? Legit question, because I haven't heard that he did.

 

I get the impression Barnes doesn't really give a shit what people think on the matter.

Or any matter, really.

 

I think I've read the same.

It's his perogative. Jerry Green and a few others also got away with not caring what anyone thought, too, at least for awhile.

 

This wasn't a tournament team the first time the ball was tipped off. It wasn't really a tourney team when people were saying they're on the bubble.

 

Jerry Green has also won about what, 20% of the games Rick Barnes has.

 

Jerry Green also isn't anywhere near the coach Barnes is or was, trying or not.

 

Jerry Green had been to back-to-back AA's when he told fans they could "go to Kmart" if they didn't like his coaching, IIRC. I think he was fired that same year.

It's his hand, and he can play it however he wants.

I think it's ok to expect your HBC to get out and recruit. Just as Calioari, Coach K, and Williams seem to have no problem doing - and they are each infinitely more successful coaches than Barnes will ever be. But that's just my opinion.

 

So if he isn't lazy or semi-retired, why do you think he doesn't go out recruiting?

 

I'm not sure it's necessarily true. Even if it is, while it's not a tactic I'd like for him to be taking, I doubt he's spending the time in his Winnebago at Elkmont

 

He's not busting ass on the recruiting trail.

 

Well, let's end any doubt which may remain:

Link: https://www.google.com/amp/s/tennes...ant-coach-responds-to-recruiting-49911949/Amp

 

I don't think he wants to deal with the headaches of the one and done guys anymore.

I get what i think he's trying to do. And I expect this team to be much better next year.

 

The new guy coming in from France looks to be a decent player. 6'6", long, athletic can play inside out. He'll be nice addition being that we're losing Hubbs.

 

I think you might see grant Williams at the 3 mauling guys inside, some, too, with the addition of a couple more big bodies.

 

Avery Johnson is committed to Tennessee basketball. Thanks for the W, AJ.

 

Atta boy, Rick.

 

We just lost to an awful UGA team.