Antonio Barton Is Heading To Tennessee

Dec 5, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Antonio Barton (2) brings the ball up court during the game against the Ohio Bobcats at the FedEx Forum. Memphis Tigers defeated the Ohio Bobcats 84-58. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Barton will be a Tennessee Volunteer this upcoming season, according to the Twitter account of his brother.

The move is a surprising one to say the least.

Even though the Vols were in Barton’s final four, most analysts were predicting the point guard to choose Maryland (close to home) or Texas A&M.

Barton will be able to play right away for the Vols, because of the NCAA rule that allows players that have graduated to play immediately without sitting a year.

This will definitely help alleviate some of the pressure off freshmen Darius Thompson, who was expected to take over the starting point guard duties after the transfer of Trae Golden.

Barton had seen decreased playing time during each of his three seasons at Memphis. This past season he averaged 16.7 minutes a game and 5.6 points a game.

Regardless of those numbers he’ll be a much welcomed site in Knoxville this fall. The Vols are expected to be one of top teams in the SEC this year, with the return of Jarnell Stokes, Jordan McRae and Jeronne Maymon leading the way.

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