Rick Barnes has some exciting news on the recruitment front for the Tennessee Basketball program.
Chris Washington Jr. , a four-star small forward from Providence Christian Academy in Tennessee, has decided to join the Tennessee Volunteers in 2026.
The in-state prospect preferred the Vols over Auburn, Ole Miss, Southern California, and Villanova.
Washington was originally committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide before changing his mind and selecting Tennessee as his school of choice. This is a significant coup for Rick Barnes and the staff.
The standout at Providence Christian Academy is a consensus top-50 player nationally and the number one overall player in Tennessee.
As if acquiring the state’s top player isn’t a major deal, this certain player is from enemy area, since Washington Jr. is primarily in Vanderbilt nation.
The Vols now have three players signed to perform on Rocky Top.
Whitney Young (IL). PG Marquis Clark
IMG Academy (Florida) SF Ralph Scott
Cedar Grove, Georgia. SF Manny Green
Rick Barnes will also be making a few significant transfers to fill up the additional room.
PG Dai Dai Ames, California.
PF Miles Rubin, Loyola
Jalen Harralson, a CG for Notre Dame, is seen here.
SG Tyler Lundblade – Belmont.
The 6-foot-8, 195-pounder will surely add height and range to the court. A player who can truly make a difference on either side of the ball.
Plying in the paint will be a recurring theme for Washington Jr. , but don’t let the long player get hot from beyond the 3-point line, as the West Tennessee talent shoots 44 percent from beyond the three-point range.
This personnel deserves praise for spotting and prioritizing such a blue-chip talent. Fortunately, the chance was located inside the state, making connection easier.
