Tennessee Vols morning report: Rick Barnes previews week
Rick Barnes speaking Monday about the upcoming Tennessee Vols men’s basketball week leads our Volunteers news for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020.
We are only two days removed from the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, and it continues to shock the sports world. The Tennessee Vols are not immune from that shock, as stories throughout Monday told how different people were affected by it.
Our morning update on Rocky Top actually includes a story on all the different Vols’ reactions to what happened. We’ll also discuss the men’s basketball program and what is in store for them this week as the resume SEC play. That’s our lead story.
A former football coach receiving a job elsewhere along with another story previewing the baseball season also make our list of things to cover. So we’ve got a busy Tuesday of news. Let’s start with the basketball news.
Rick Barnes discusses return to SEC play – UTSports
On Saturday, the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team lost at the No. 3 ranked Kansas Jayhawks. They resume SEC play Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. ET with a home game against the Texas A&M Aggies. Head coach Rick Barnes previewed the week and discussed the death of Kobe Bryant, noting that UT wanted to honor him with purple shoelaces. Here’s a bit of what else he said.
"“He was without question the best high school player I’ve ever watched since I’ve been in coaching. Everything he did back then he just took to a different level. If you go back and look at the way he went about things it’s incredible.”"
UT figures remember Kobe Bryant – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
Across the sports world, Tennessee Vols and Lady Vols paid tribute to Kobe Bryant. We mentioned what Rick Barnes said. UT assistant Kim English discussed how Bryant went from idol to foe. Jason Witten told a story of him on Instagram. Then Vol legends like Peyton Manning, Candace Parker, Chamique Holdsclaw and more all released statements. Here’s a bit of what Manning said.
"“I always appreciated Kobe’s talent, work-ethic and competitiveness. Most of all, I appreciated his friendship. He was a friend and we worked together recently on several projects.”"
Derek Dooley added to Giants staff – Josh Alper, Pro Football Talk
Two former Tennessee Vols football coaches will be joining Joe Judge’s staff with the New York Giants. UT inside linebackers and special teams coordinator Kevin Sherrer joined over the weekend. Now, former UT head coach Derek Dooley is joining the staff.
"According to multiple reports, the Giants have hired former Louisiana Tech and Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley. Dooley’s Twitter page reflects his move to the Giants, but neither he nor the reports specify what job he’ll be doing on Joe Judge’s staff."
Two Vols named baseball All-Americans – Baseball America
A pair of Tennessee Vols baseball juniors earned 2020 preseason All-American honors from Baseball America. Pitcher Garrett Crochet made First Team, and outfielder Alerick Soularie made Second Team.
"Baseball America annually polls major league organizations’ scouting departments to vote on the team and asks that they make their selections based on performance, talent and professional potential. In the past, the Baseball America Preseason All-America team has been a predictor both of the first round of the draft and of team success."