Rick Barnes added a four-star to the Tennessee basketball Volunteers’ recruiting class.
It’s clear that Rick Barnes securing a top-notch 2020 recruiting class for Tennessee basketball was not a fluke. He’s now got the Vols in great shape to continue their run into 2021, and now he’s taking them to the Wet Coast for talent.
Elite Southern California wing Jahmai Mashack, who is a four-star across all services, committed to UT on Monday. A four-star across all services, Mashack is listed as a shooting guard on Rivals and a small forward on 247Sports.
Standing somewhere between 6’4″ and 6’5″ and weighing 180 to 190 pounds, Mashack is the second commitment in Tennessee basketball’s 2021 class, following five-star guard Kennedy Chandler out of Memphis, who committed in mid-August. Mashack announced his commitment with a video that was posted to his Twitter account.
Commitment!! https://t.co/A8fjebmymO
— Jahmai (Jah-MY’) Mashack (@JahmaiM) September 8, 2020
With this pickup, Rocky Top is clearly rolling in the backcourt. Barnes’ two five-stars in his 2020 class, Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer, were both listed as two-guards, and Chandler and Mashack are listed as a point guard and wing player respectively.
In Mashack, UT gets a versatile player, and they also have their future set for when some of the other extremely talented guards inevitably leave early for the NBA. Barnes will have time to coach up and develop the product of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. who attends Etiwanda High School.
Given his frame, Mashack is the perfect wing player at the college level, and he may add an inch by the time he gets to college. Assuming he refines his skills even more, his potential is through the roof. Here’s a look at his highlight reel.
As you can see, Mashack has a unique ability to play under the basket, stretch the floor with his shot and run the break in transition. His defense really stands out, as he can play anywhere on the court defensively. That makes him the perfect player for Barnes to coach up.
Assuming that outside shot carries over into college, Tennessee basketball is in great shape with a guy like Mashack. He’ll probably need to work on being able to create a bit more, but he’s got a lot of refined skills already.