Tennessee extends COVID shutdown; first game Dec. 12

How about an update on our neighbors to the south? Yesterday, Tennessee canceled the Volunteer Classic, its season-opening three-team event, after multiple Tier 1 personnel, including head coach Rick Barnes, tested positive for the coronavirus. At the time, the Vols hoped they would be able to return to the court in time for next week’s Jimmy V Classic in Indianapolis, but that is not the case.

This afternoon, Tennessee announced it is extending its shutdown and is aiming to return to practice on December 5 to be ready for a December 12 game vs. Cincinnati in Thompson-Boling Arena. According to the release, Barnes (who is 66 years old) has mild symptoms but “is generally feeling well.”

After receiving Monday’s COVID-19 test results, the Tennessee men’s basketball program is extending its pause on team activities.

The Volunteers will not travel to Indianapolis for next week’s Jimmy V Classic, where they were scheduled to face top-ranked Gonzaga. Tennessee also will not play at Notre Dame on Dec. 4—a game that had been reported but was never officially announced due to the contract not yet being finalized.

Barring additional setbacks, the program aims to return to action on Saturday, Dec. 5, with its first game currently set for Dec. 12 against Cincinnati at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Head coach Rick Barnes, who has been diagnosed with the virus and is in isolation at his home, is experiencing very mild symptoms but is generally feeling well.

If you’re keeping track at home, three SEC teams are currently shut down: Florida, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. According to Jon Rothstein, over 35 programs across the country have suspended activities.