College Corner: Rick Barnes, Will Richard, MTSU & Vandy WNIT

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Tennessee Gives Head Coach Rick Barnes Contract Extension

Rick Barnes. Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Athletics

After leading the University of Tennessee to its first SEC Tournament championship in 1979, head coach Rick Barnes has been given a contract extension that will keep him in Knoxville until 2027.

“Rick has built an incredible culture within our men’s basketball program that has spread throughout Vol Nation,” says Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “I’ve had a blast watching the best fanbase in the country embrace this team and create the most electric environment in college basketball. Coach Barnes’ leadership is steady, and his players exude high character. They take pride in representing our university and the state of Tennessee with class and an unrivaled competitive drive.”

In program history, Tennessee has six seasons of 26 or more wins with Barnes serving as the Vols’ head coach for three of those six campaigns (2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22). For the second time in Barnes’ tenure, the Vols spent the entire season ranked in the AP Top 25.

“After meeting with our players this week, I’m energized and eager to get back in the gym preparing for next season,” says Barnes. “Our family is blessed to be a part of the University of Tennessee family, and we appreciate the alignment of our administration. There are so many wonderful things happening on campus and throughout the community that we’re excited to support and participate in. It’s a great time to be a Tennessee Volunteer.”

 

 

Belmont’s Will Richard Enters Transfer Portal

Will Richard. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

Belmont freshman Will Richard has entered the transfer portal after averaging 15.8 points per game and being the Bruins third best scorer.

Richard announced his decision via social media, thanking Belmont, its coaches and the community. The Georgia native was named to the OVC’s All-Freshman team and scored 22 points against Vanderbilt in the Bruins first round NIT matchup.

According to Jamie Shaw from On3sports.com, Richard has heard from Stanford, Minnesota, Clemson, BYU, Ole Miss, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, Creighton, and Loyola-Chicago among others.

 

 

MTSU Beats Vanderbilt 55-53 In WNIT Round Three

Courtney Whitson. Photo: Courtesy of MT Athletics

In a heated cross-town matchup, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) knocked out Vanderbilt 55-53 in the third round of the WNIT on Thursday night (March 24) at the Murphy Center.

“I’m obviously disappointed for our group, but incredibly proud of how far we’ve come this year. I’m excited about the foundation that we’ve built for our program here at Vanderbilt,” said Vanderbilt’s first-year head coach Shea Ralph in a postgame press conference. “We understand how special this is and the opportunity to make it even more special is my dream job.”

Vanderbilt’s Jordyn Cambridge scored 14 points and had four steals. Iyana Moore also scored 14 points, and Sacha Washington scored 12 points and picked eight rebounds.

The Commodores started off hot scoring 21 points in the first quarter alone and taking a strong 29-21 lead at halftime. A huge third quarter, where the Lady Blue Raiders scored 22 points, led the team to a 43-41 lead.

“What a heck of a game,” MTSU head coach Rick Insell said in a postgame press conference. “Both teams played hard, both teams executed at times and both teams got sloppy at times. You’ve got to give credit to both teams. They battled and battled and battled and [it was a] heck of a game. I’m proud of our basketball team.”

Dor Saar led in scoring for MTSU with 13 points. Courtney Whitson and Kseniya Malashka both had great games, scoring nine points and 12 points respectively.

The Lady Blue Raiders will now face Toledo in the WNIT quarterfinals on Monday, March 28 at 6 p.m. CT.

Steven Boero
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