How Rick Barnes reacted to adding Dai Dai Ames to Tennessee basketball roster

Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes entered the offseason tasked with replacing at least five of the Vols ' top six scorers, pending freshman forward Nate Ament's NBA Draft decision. The Vols started with Belmont graduate transfer and shooter Tyler Lundblade and continued with California transfer Dai Dai Ames. Barnes believes Ames can provide a consistent threat at all three levels of the court.

“We are excited to welcome Dai Dai and his family to the Tennessee basketball program," Barnes said in a school release April 15. "He is an extremely competitive and coachable individual who really gels with our culture. Dai Dai can make shots in late-clock situations, which is a skill we were looking for in the portal.

"He is a crafty lefty with a strong frame who can finish at the rim through contact, as well as a superb movement shooter and an elite midrange scorer. All of that makes him a great fit for our system. Dai Dai really wants to be part of a winning team and contend for championships.

” Ames broke out at Cal in his junior season, averaging 16. 9 points, 2. 2 assists and 2.