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Rick Barnes: The Virginia job that got away
22 Mar
Summary
- Rick Barnes chose Providence over Virginia in 1990.
- Barnes led Tennessee to two Elite Eights recently.
- Vols face Virginia, a team Barnes nearly coached.
In 1990, Rick Barnes faced a significant career decision, choosing to stay at Providence over a potential coaching position at Virginia. Despite touring the Charlottesville campus and receiving strong indications he would accept the offer to replace Terry Holland, Barnes opted to remain with the Friars for three additional seasons.
Barnes later coached at Clemson and Texas before taking the helm at Tennessee in 2015. He has transformed the Vols into consistent winners in the Southeastern Conference, guiding them to two Elite Eight appearances and a Sweet Sixteen over the past three seasons. His current Tennessee team, seeded sixth, is preparing to face third-seeded Virginia on Sunday.
Virginia's coach, Ryan Odom, maintains a close relationship with Barnes, who played at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne where Odom began his coaching career. Odom expressed admiration for Barnes' sustained success and integrity in coaching.
Meanwhile, other tournament matchups are developing. Iowa State may be without key player Joshua Jefferson due to an ankle sprain, while Kentucky is preparing to face the Boilermakers after a dramatic overtime victory against Santa Clara, secured by Otega Oweh's buzzer-beater. Texas Tech faces Alabama, with the Red Raiders significantly impacted by the ACL tear of All-America guard JT Toppin.
