Christian Fermin adjusts to Rick Barnes' coaching at Tennessee

Tennessee forward Christian Fermin is navigating intense practices under coach Rick Barnes as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Fermin, a redshirt senior transfer from VCU, has experienced a notable increase in practice intensity compared to his previous college experiences. He emphasizes the importance of structure and communication within the team's frontcourt, which includes another transfer and some returning players. The Vols' frontcourt seeks to leverage the guidance of DeWayne Brown II, a sophomore and one of only two returnees from last season's Elite Eight squad. Fermin is committed to establishing himself as a defensive presence and a reliable rebounder as he integrates into the new program.

• 9:06 AMYahoo Sports — How Tennessee forward Christian Fermin is adjusting to Rick Barnes, SEC basketball