Tennessee HC Rick Barnes Discusses NCAA Tournament Matchup Against Virginia

Barnes talks Ja'Kobi Gillespie, challenges of facing Virginia, and his coaching journey ahead of Round of 32 game.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes met with the media ahead of the Vols' NCAA Tournament matchup against Virginia. Barnes discussed Ja'Kobi Gillespie's strong play, the challenges Virginia presents, and his own coaching journey and evolution over the years.

Why it matters

This game features two of the top teams in the country, with Tennessee looking to advance to the Sweet 16 and Virginia seeking a return to the tournament's second weekend. Barnes' comments provide insight into how the Vols are preparing for the tough Virginia squad and the veteran coach's perspective on his team and career.

The details

Barnes praised Gillespie's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, noting his quick hands, anticipation skills, and importance to the Tennessee offense. He acknowledged the challenge Virginia guard Jacari White presents, saying the Vols will need a team defensive effort to slow him down. Barnes also discussed his long-standing connections to Virginia assistant Bryce Crawford and head coach Ryan Odom, dating back to their time in the Carolinas.

  • Tennessee and Virginia will face off on Sunday, March 23, 2026 in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32.

The players

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

A standout guard for Tennessee who has had a terrific season and is one of the best players in college basketball.

Jacari White

The talented Virginia guard who had an impressive performance in the Cavaliers' opening round NCAA Tournament win.

Rick Barnes

The veteran Tennessee head coach who has led the Vols to the NCAA Tournament and is facing off against a familiar foe in Virginia.

Ryan Odom

The current head coach of Virginia, who Barnes has known for a long time dating back to Odom's time at Lenoir-Rhyne and UMBC.

Bryce Crawford

A Virginia assistant coach who Barnes has a great deal of respect for, citing Crawford's faith and hard work in the coaching profession.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ja'Kobi has had a terrific year and certainly one of the best players in college basketball. We put a lot on him this year. We've asked a lot from him and he's far exceeded that in so many different ways.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee Head Coach

“He played a terrific game. I think they would say he impacted the game for them yesterday the way Ja'Kobi did for us.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee Head Coach

“It goes back even further than that. Dave Odom, Ryan's father and I have known each other for a long time, and his wife, Lynn, being in the ACC for that long, we all, myself, Dave, Kelvin Sampson and Tubby Smith, we all played in the same league in the Carolinas back in the day.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Tennessee-Virginia matchup will advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This game features two of the top teams in the country, with veteran coaches Rick Barnes and Ryan Odom leading their squads. The outcome will come down to which team can best execute its game plan and get key contributions from star players like Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Jacari White.