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Barker's Return: Emotional Reunion with UCLA Coach
2 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Janiah Barker returned to UCLA after transferring to Tennessee.
- Coach Cori Close wished Barker well despite the postgame moment.
- Barker scored a season-high 25 points in her return game.
Janiah Barker experienced an emotional return to Pauley Pavilion, facing her former UCLA Bruins team and coach Cori Close after transferring to Tennessee. Although a brief, seemingly cool handshake occurred postgame, Coach Close publicly wished Barker well, acknowledging her contributions.
Barker, a standout player who earned Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year honors with UCLA and reached the Final Four, sought a more prominent role with the Volunteers. In her return to her former home court, the forward delivered a season-high 25 points, showcasing her continued impact on the game.
The game held significant emotional weight for Barker, who received her Final Four ring and memorabilia from UCLA before tip-off. Despite her strong performance, her efforts were not enough to secure a win against the No. 3 ranked Bruins, highlighting the competitive nature of college basketball.
