Tennessee Freshman Guard to Undergo Offseason Surgery

Troy Henderson has been dealing with a left shoulder injury throughout SEC play.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Tennessee basketball guard Troy Henderson will undergo shoulder surgery this offseason, head coach Rick Barnes announced on Tuesday. Henderson has been battling the injury throughout SEC play, with his availability being inconsistent. He re-aggravated the injury in a recent game against Vanderbilt and is uncertain for this week's SEC Tournament.

Why it matters

Henderson's injury is part of a larger issue for Tennessee, as the team is dealing with several key players being banged up heading into the postseason. The Vols will need to manage these injuries as they look to make a deep run in the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

The details

Henderson played three minutes against Vanderbilt on Saturday, knocking down a three-pointer and recording an assist. But he re-aggravated his shoulder and did not return to the game. His status is currently uncertain for this week's SEC Tournament. Tennessee's Tuesday practice was open to the media, and Henderson did some work early in practice but has since shot on the Lady Vols' court inside Pratt Pavilion.

  • On Saturday, Henderson re-aggravated his shoulder injury against Vanderbilt.
  • On Tuesday, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes revealed that Henderson will undergo shoulder surgery this offseason.

The players

Troy Henderson

A Tennessee freshman guard who has been battling a left shoulder injury throughout SEC play.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We know that he's going to have to do offseason surgery, but again, Troy (said), 'Hey, I want to stay and help as much as I can until the season is over.'”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach (rockytopinsider.com)

What’s next

The Vols open up play in the SEC Tournament on Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET. Fifth-seeded Tennessee will face the winner of 12-seed Auburn and 13-seed Mississippi State on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Tennessee's injury issues, including Henderson's shoulder surgery, will be a key storyline to watch as the Vols look to make a deep run in the postseason. The team's ability to manage these injuries could be a determining factor in their success.