As Tennessee gears up for its Sweet 16 showdown with Kentucky, the Volunteers have received a major boost for their future. Rick Barnes and the Vols have secured a commitment from 2025 point guard Troy Henderson, a dynamic player hailing from Richmond, Virginia. Henderson becomes the third member of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class and adds a new layer of excitement to an already high-stakes week for the program.
Henderson’s decision to join Tennessee comes after he was released from his National Letter of Intent with Fordham following a coaching change. Once available, he quickly garnered interest from several programs, including Seton Hall, Duquesne, and other Atlantic 10 schools. However, the talented point guard ultimately chose the Vols, citing his strong relationship with Rick Barnes and the coaching staff.
“I can do it all,” Henderson told 247 Sports. “They’re getting a point guard that’s a coach on the floor. I’m going to lead the team, and I’m going to win.”
Barnes first noticed Henderson during an AAU tournament last year, but it took nearly 12 months for Tennessee to solidify the player’s commitment. Now, Henderson joins four-star shooting guard Amari Evans and four-star center Dewayne Brown in the Vols’ 2025 recruiting class.
This commitment couldn’t come at a better time for Tennessee, which is set to lose five key players from its backcourt after this season. Seniors Zakai Zeigler, Jordan Gainey, Jahmai Mashack, Chaz Lanier, and Darlinstone Dubar are all departing, leaving the Vols with significant gaps to fill. Henderson’s addition is expected to be one of many as the team rebuilds its roster for the 2026 season.
The Vols also have their eyes on the transfer portal, which recently opened. Several big-name players have entered, and Tennessee has ample time to evaluate its options. With Henderson already in the fold, the future of Tennessee basketball looks promising.
For now, the focus remains on the present as the Vols prepare to take on SEC rival Kentucky on Friday night. Tennessee has never reached the Final Four in program history, but a win over the Wildcats would bring them one step closer to that elusive goal. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:39 PM ET on TBS and TruTV, and fans are eager to see if Barnes and his squad can deliver another memorable performance.
