If you haven’t been watching Tennessee basketball super closely, just know the team makes it a habit of showing up in March.
And here we are. Tennessee is about to play in the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year, and coach Rick Barnes is looking to bring the team back to the Elite Eight for the third time in a row. It’s a big deal, and there’s a lot of pressure riding on Barnes and this team to be the one to win it all.
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Historically, this round has been hard for the Vols to break through (Tennessee is 3-8 in the Sweet 16). No. 6 seed Vols (24-11) prepare to face No. 2 Iowa State (29-7) at 10:10 p.m. March 27.
If you haven’t watched as many games as you’d like this year, there’s time to catch up. Consider this a quick highlight reel to scan before tipoff.
Who are the key players for Tennessee this year?
There’s no denying Tennessee plays its best basketball when all five on the court work together, but there are two names that have made headlines all season long: Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament.
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If you know these players, you’ve got enough to get you through the game as a very casual fan.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie is the veteran on the roster, and has made himself a central part of the team’s March Madness run. The senior guard has led the offense and delivers in the biggest moments. He’s averaging 18.4 points per game and has been even better in the postseason tournament: 29 points in the first round win against Miami (Ohio) and 21 more two days later against Virginia.
Tennessee has struggled all season long to clinch close games. There’s been blown leads and heartbreaking losses, but Gillespie’s poise has helped reshape the offense. It was most evident in the 79-72 second round victory over Virginia.
The other player you simply must know to sound like you were watching the whole time is Nate Ament. He’s a true freshman (yes, he’s only 19 years old) that has helped anchor the Tennessee roster.
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The 6-foot-10 All-SEC forward came into the program bearing the weight of massive expectations as a five-star recruit, and he is already a projected lottery (top 14) pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Ament averaged 16.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
But there have been bumps in the road. If you want to sound like a true fan, mention his ankle injury. Ament suffered a high ankle sprain in February, which resulted in missed time, restricted minutes and playing through pain in March.
Got that? Let’s go a step deeper.
Tennessee’s supporting cast fills crucial roles. Bishop Boswell, who scored only seven points all of last season, has become a strong perimeter shooter and sank a career-high four 3-pointers in the win over Virginia.
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Inside, J.P. Estrella and Felix Okpara have stepped up in a season without fan favorite Cade Phillips (he’s been out all season after having shoulder surgery).
How long has Rick Barnes been at Tennessee?
For a decade, Tennessee basketball and Rick Barnes have been synonymous. The iconic coach has spent the last 11 seasons in Knoxville, and he even signed a lifetime contract in 2025.
He’s helped strengthen the team’s defensive identity and its carried Tennessee deep into the tournament time and again.
But when defense slips, so does Tennessee’s lead. If this team wants to make it further than any other in program history, Tennessee needs to play well on both ends of the court.
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Why are the players placing towels on heads at the end of the game?
This tournament run has come with lighter moments. “Shining” moments, if you will.
After each March Madness win this year, players have been gently throwing white towels on each others’ heads ‒ especially during courtside interviews. The Vols are in on it.
Yes, this is new. The viral moment spread from just players to CBS sideline reporter Evan Washburn and, most recently, Barnes.
The trend could continue if the Vols beat Iowa State and clinch their fourth-ever Sweet 16 win, moving to the Elite Eight for the third consecutive year.
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Hayes covers restaurants and retail for the business growth and development team. Email: joanna.hayes@knoxnews.com; Instagram: @knoxeat65. Sign up for Joanna’s Eat65 email newsletter to get the latest drink and dining news, as well as restaurant recommendations, at knoxnews.com/newsletters.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What to know about Tennessee basketball, Nate Ament ahead of Sweet 16
