Watch: Rick Barnes Talks SEC Tournament and More Before Vols Depart For Tampa Bay

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers basketball head coach Rick Barnes met with the local media in a press conference setting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss his team's status before heading to Tampa Bay, Florida, for the SEC Tournament.
Barnes touched on the mindset his team needs have heading into March and how his players have used the recent break to get healthier, including John Fulkerson.
"He had a pretty deep hip-pointer he's had to deal with. He wasn't at his best the other night," Barnes said. "He was giving up some rebounds. It's tough with the hip pointer because you use your hip to rebound. But hopefully, these last few days he's gotten back on the good side can do the things we know he's capable of."
Barnes' entire Wednesday availability is in the video above.
The No. 2 seeded Vols will take on the winner of No. 7 seed South Carolina vs. No. 10 seed Mississippi State in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
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Jack is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Journalism/Electronic Media. Jack grew up in Paris, Tennessee, but now spends the majority of his time in Knoxville doubling as a student and sports journalist for Volunteer Country. Jack has been a sports junkie since he was a young kid and always watched NFL football with his dad on Sundays. Jack still follows the NFL religiously, as he is an avid fantasy football player. Jack started with Volunteer Country in May of 2021 and has since helped provide full coverage of football, baseball and men's and women's basketball. Jack also works as a recurring member of WUTK's Rock Solid Sports show on Wednesdays and Fridays, and he also serves as head sports producer of The Volunteer Channel's Vol News, a student-run show at the University. When Jack is not watching or covering sports, find him on the golf course or back home spending time with his parents, younger sister and friends. Follow Jack on Twitter and Instagram by clicking "Twitter" and "Instagram" to see all of his work with Volunteer Country as well as student media.