Rick Barnes shares what Jahmai Mashack brings to Tennessee

With injuries changing up Tennessee’s lineup, the Volunteers have been able to see more of sophomore guard Jahmai Mashack as of late. Although he’s been a defensive-minded member of their rotation, he found an offensive groove this weekend in the team’s loss at Kentucky. Even so, that’s not even the best part of his game from what Rick Barnes has seen in him.

Barnes credited Mashack’s spirit following the 66-54 loss to the Wildcats in Lexington. He said he considers competitiveness to be a talent and that Maschak shows it every possession of every game. Regardless of his box score or the outcome of the game, Barnes said he appreciates that out of the former four-star from California.

“He guarded, he played. He brings a competitive edge and it’s a talent. You’d think everybody does that…but it’s a talent. And Jahmai has it,” said Barnes. “He wants to go out, he can guard anybody on the court, he’s gonna compete. The more he gets out there, the better he’ll continue to get offensively. But, if you’re gonna go down, you want to go down with a guy fighting like that. He’s a fighter.”

Mashack scored a career-high 16 points against Kentucky in the most action of his career with 34 minutes before fouling out. He also contributed eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. This came a game after he played a key role in slowing down Brandon Miller in Tennessee’s 68-59 win over Alabama.

With Josiah-Jordan James and Julian Phillips still out of the lineup, Barnes has had to put even more on Mashack’s plate. He answered the bell again, though, as he continues to develop as a solid prospect within Tennessee’s program.

Barnes considers why Tennessee struggled from the free throw line vs. Kentucky

It’s safe to say that Tennessee’s offensive performance in Lexington wasn’t their best. However, what frustrated many Volunteer faithful, as well as Rick Barnes, was how many they left out on the charity stripe.

Barnes spoke about his team shooting 4-14 from the free-throw line after Saturday’s 66-54 loss at Kentucky. He said he practically had to beg legends from the stands to come out and help them because, in all seriousness, he said their mental toughness at the line wasn’t where it needed to be.

“It’s funny. During the game, I turned around and saw Kyle Macy there. And I said, ‘Want to go shoot these?’,” joked Barnes.

“They missed some too. But I think free-throw shooting can be a lot like putting in golf,” Barnes continued. “I think you’ve got to have your routine. I think you’ve got to go up there confident. And know that, if you put your stroke on, it’s going to go in. That’s the key to it. If not, guys can get in their head and it can be torture for them mentally.”