Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes is recruiting at all levels to form a team capable of reaching the program’s first Final Four.
Since the season ended, the Vols have added a graduate transfer, three players from the transfer portal, and on April 16 signed Chris Washington Jr., the top high school player in Tennessee for their 2026 recruiting class.
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“We are happy to add Chris to a high school class that we are really enthused about,” Barnes said in a school release. “Chris is a truly special athlete and, without a doubt, one of the finest in the country at the prep level. He is particularly impactful in transition and leaping off one foot. He can also stretch the floor and knock down 3-point shots, as well as grab offensive rebounds.
“At the defensive end, Chris has all the tools to become elite and is someone who can guard four positions. We always prioritize keeping talented players in-state and feel Chris will fit in well here on Rocky Top.”
The 6-foot-9 forward played at Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro and led the Lions to two consecutive state championships.
He’s a four-star recruit in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 43 player in the country.
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Washington is the fourth player in Tennessee’s 2026 high school class and is the highest-rated of the group. Four-star 6-8 wing Ralph Scott is the No. 53 player. The Vols also added 6-6 wing Manny Green, another four-star prospect, and three-star 6-1 guard Marquis Clark.
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why Tennessee coach Rick Barnes excited about signee Chris Washington Jr.