Tennessee basketball's roster for the 2025-26 season is almost full after Rick Barnes silenced the haters and added two more guards after the transfer portal closed.
The first player Tennessee added is Louisiana Tech transfer guard Amaree Abram. He committed to the Vols over James Madison, LSU, and Minnesota.
Abram averaged 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in his Junior season at Louisiana Tech while shooting 37% from three-point range.
Abram praised Barnes after making his commitment official and announcing his decision to join Tennessee on social media.
"He's just a great guy," Abram told Rocky Top Insider about Barnes. "Down to earth. Has a lot of legacy behind his name. I just feel like he has a good opportunity for me. I just feel like the coaches were very welcoming, and they have my best interest at heart."
Abram also believes that, with his defensive prowess, he will be a perfect fit for Tennessee's defensive-focused system coached by Rick Barnes.
"I was a very good defender last year at Louisiana Tech," Abram said. "I was one of our best defenders. I know they (Tennessee) pride themselves on defense. I kind of fit in perfectly."
Barnes proved he wasn't done, silencing the haters by signing French shooting guard Clarence Massamba. As a 6-foot-5 guard, Massamba brings a long wingspan and can use his athleticism to get up and down the court smoothly.
Massamba's commitment ignited Vol Nation on social media. Barnes brought in his second shooting guard of the week after being criticized for adding multiple forwards but no guards in previous weeks.
Barnes shared his excitement about signing the 19-year-old guard. During his season with AC Monaco's U21 B team, he averaged 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 45% from the field and 34% from three-point range.
"He is a long, athletic, versatile guard who can really attack in the open court," Barnes says about Massamba. "He is good with the ball in his hands, yet also possesses the ability to excel without it.
"Clarence has a nice feel for the game and an excellent basketball IQ. He is a hard-working, driven young man who plays with a chip on his shoulder, and our fans will love seeing the way he competes."
These two additions are huge for Tennessee. Barnes has brought in two guards, Abram and Massamba, who can be immediate contributors on the court for the Vols this fall.
Barnes silenced all haters and doubters regarding the 2025-26 roster and the upcoming season by signing both guards. The Vols have one scholarship to play with now as Barnes looks to finalize the roster ahead of the summer.