Barnes observes that the learning curve is still present for first-year Vols players.

As the 2025 basketball season continues to unfold, one of the key narratives surrounding the Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball program has been the continued growth and development of their first-year players. With the Vols ranked among the Top 10 teams in the nation and expectations for a deep postseason run, head coach Rick Barnes has been consistently vocal about the challenges that his new players are facing as they adjust to the demands of SEC basketball. Despite Tennessee’s strong start to the season, Barnes has pointed out that the learning curve for these newcomers is still very much in play.

This isn’t a surprise to anyone who has followed college basketball for any length of time—adjusting to the speed and intensity of the college game is often a difficult process for freshmen and transfers alike. However, in the case of the Tennessee Vols, this learning curve has been somewhat heightened due to the high expectations placed on the team. As a program that has established itself as a perennial contender in the SEC and one that has consistently been in the mix for the NCAA Tournament, the pressure to perform from day one can be overwhelming for young players. For Barnes, his role as a mentor and teacher is as important as ever.

In this article, we will explore the complexities of the learning curve faced by Tennessee’s first-year players, what Coach Barnes has said about their development, the specific challenges they’ve encountered, and how their growth is integral to the team’s success moving forward. We will also look at how the Vols’ young players can contribute to the team’s success in the long term, and why the patience shown by Coach Barnes could be crucial to unlocking the team’s potential.

The Transition to College Basketball: A Universal Challenge

For any first-year player, the transition from high school or junior college to the high-pressure environment of Division I basketball is never easy. The speed of the game is faster, the physicality is greater, and the competition is more intense. Players are tasked with not only learning a complex playbook but also developing the mental fortitude to handle the pressure of performing on a national stage.

At Tennessee, Coach Barnes has created a culture of excellence and high standards, and his approach to player development emphasizes accountability, discipline, and attention to detail. For his incoming players, those traits can sometimes take time to develop, and Barnes has acknowledged that even the most talented newcomers need time to adjust.

When discussing the development of his freshmen, Barnes pointed out how the transition from high school or the transfer portal can sometimes be a “rude awakening.” The physicality of the SEC, which is known for its tough defenses and high-level athleticism, is often the biggest hurdle for first-year players. They can no longer rely on raw talent alone; they must develop an understanding of how to perform at a higher level consistently.

“I think we’re seeing some real growth from these young guys,” Barnes said. “But the reality is they’re still learning. The SEC is unforgiving. You have to bring your best every day, and it takes time for players to truly grasp what that means.”

Key Newcomers for Tennessee in 2025

To fully understand the learning curve, it’s important to look at the players who have entered the program and how they’ve been performing so far. Tennessee welcomed several freshmen and transfer players to the program for the 2025 season. These players have been thrust into significant roles from the get-go, and Barnes has been carefully monitoring their progress as they integrate into the team.

Zakai Zeigler: The New Point Guard of the Future

One of the most intriguing first-year players for Tennessee is Zakai Zeigler, a highly touted point guard who transferred to Tennessee after a standout freshman season at NIU. Known for his quickness, excellent ball-handling skills, and basketball IQ, Zeigler was expected to be a key piece in Barnes’ plans for the season.

However, Zeigler has had his share of growing pains. As a point guard, he is expected to be the floor general—running the offense, setting up plays, and distributing the ball efficiently. For a player like Zeigler, whose style of play is predicated on speed and agility, the transition to the SEC has required him to refine his game. The fast-paced nature of the conference, combined with the pressure of playing in front of passionate fans, has tested his decision-making.

Barnes has commented on Zeigler’s progress, noting that while he has seen flashes of brilliance, there are still moments where Zeigler struggles with patience and shot selection. “Zakai has a lot of tools, but he’s learning when to push the pace and when to slow down,” Barnes said. “It’s not just about making plays, it’s about understanding the flow of the game and knowing when to pick your spots.”

Despite these challenges, Zeigler has also demonstrated the promise that made him one of the top recruits in the nation. As he continues to adjust, his ability to handle the ball under pressure and create opportunities for his teammates will be critical for Tennessee’s success.

Julian Phillips: A Versatile Freshman Forward

Another key newcomer is Julian Phillips, a highly skilled forward who was ranked as one of the top high school prospects in the country. Phillips is an explosive player with the ability to score at all three levels—inside, from mid-range, and beyond the arc. His athleticism and versatility make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, but he too has struggled with the adjustment to the SEC’s physicality.

Phillips’ biggest challenge has been his consistency. While he has the talent to be an offensive weapon, he often finds himself battling for position against more seasoned defenders. The need to adjust his game to the higher level of play has required Phillips to refine his shot selection and decision-making under pressure. He’s also working on his defense, which is an area Barnes consistently emphasizes for all his players.

“I think Julian is coming along well, but there’s a lot of nuance to playing at this level,” Barnes said. “He’s a really talented player, but it’s a process. Every game, he’s learning what works and what doesn’t work. We’re seeing him become more comfortable with his role as the season progresses.”

Phillips’ growth will be crucial for Tennessee’s postseason hopes. As a forward who can score from multiple areas on the floor, his development could unlock the Vols’ offensive potential and give them another go-to option in tight games.

Tennessee’s Other Key First-Year Players

Beyond Zeigler and Phillips, the Vols have several other first-year players who are still finding their way into Tennessee’s rotation. These include Tobe Awaka, a promising forward known for his athleticism and shot-blocking ability, and B.J. Edwards, a guard who has shown potential as a scorer and playmaker. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance but, like Zeigler and Phillips, have struggled at times with consistency.

Coach Barnes has emphasized that each player’s learning curve is unique. For Awaka, the focus is on improving his offensive game and decision-making, while Edwards has needed to adjust to the speed of the game and improve his shooting accuracy. But despite these early challenges, Barnes is optimistic about the long-term potential of these players.

“Each of these guys has something special,” Barnes said. “What we have to focus on is getting them to understand the work ethic, the attention to detail, and the mental approach needed to succeed at this level.”

The Importance of Patience and Development

The first-year players’ struggles are not unique to Tennessee—every program faces similar challenges when it comes to integrating newcomers into the lineup. However, what sets Rick Barnes’ program apart is his commitment to player development and his ability to nurture talent over the course of the season.

Barnes is known for his patient approach when it comes to young players, understanding that immediate results are not always reflective of long-term potential. While fans and analysts may expect instant impact from highly ranked freshmen, Barnes has always emphasized the importance of allowing players the time and space to grow and adjust.

“The first-year players are going to make mistakes, and they’re going to have their ups and downs,” Barnes said. “But we can’t expect them to be perfect from day one. The goal is for them to learn from their mistakes and get better each day.”

This mentality is crucial for Tennessee as they continue their pursuit of an SEC title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. While Barnes’ first-year players may be struggling with the learning curve, it’s clear that he believes in their ability to develop and contribute when it matters most.

The Road Ahead for Tennessee

As the season progresses, Tennessee’s first-year players will continue to face challenges, but they will also have the opportunity to grow and improve. The Vols have one of the most talented teams in the country, and their young players will be integral to their success in the SEC and beyond. By the time the NCAA Tournament rolls around, Barnes hopes that these freshmen will be ready to play at the level expected of a championship-caliber team.

The learning curve for Tennessee’s first-year players is real, but with the guidance of a coach like Rick Barnes—a veteran who understands the intricacies of player development—the Vols are well-positioned for future success. As they continue to grow and mature throughout the season, expect these young players to make a big impact on Tennessee’s pursuit of a national championship.

Patience, development, and a commitment to the process are all key themes for Tennessee’s 2025 season. If the Vols can continue to develop their

young players, they will have the depth and talent needed to compete at the highest levels of college basketball. The road may be challenging, but the potential for this team is undeniable.