Vols show in Austin why Rick Barnes’ offseason was a resounding success

The Tennessee Volunteers bounced back from their early-week loss to the Florida Gators on Saturday, outlasting the Texas Longhorns in Austin 74-70. The Vols got significant contributions across the roster against Texas, and they needed every bit of it in order to escape with a big road win.

Zakai Zeigler was his usual awesome self, particularly down the stretch as Tennessee surged ahead. The Vols’ star guard totaled 16 points with 8 assists to drive the offense.

However, it was who showed up who really was the story on Saturday – Darlinstone Dubar.

The transfer wing from Hofstra came to Knoxville this offseason with a lot of hype and expectations. However, that hadn’t yet transferred over to the stat sheet through the first two months of the season. Dubar had taken some time off back in November for a personal matter.

It certainly did transfer to the stat sheet in Austin. Dubar scored 12 points off the bench, going 4-6 from the floor and 3-5 from three. He also had perhaps the most emphatic moment of the game with this slam.

Dubar’s breakout – it was his first points since before Christmas – was supplemented by some big contributions from other transfers. Felix Okpara was big around the rim, with 9 rebounds and 3 blocks to go with 7 points. Igor Milicic, Jr. added 7 points and 6 boards. Chaz Lanier had a bit of an off-night shooting – not to mention he was benched early in the second half for not taking a shot designed for him – but Tennessee doesn’t win without his 10 points.

This is what Rick Barnes went out got this offseason after losing Dalton Knecht to the NBA. It was never going to be the same team this year that thrilled Vol fans in 2023-24. Each team is unique, and Knecht will never be replaced.

However, you saw on Saturday night the fruits of all of Barnes’ offseason labor, and you saw what this team can look like what all of those assembled parts functions as a group.

If the Vols can get that kind of production from Dubar to add with the continued contribution from the rest of their transfer-heavy roster, then they could hit another gear through a difficult SEC slate, which is something they’ll need if they hope to come out on top of the nation’s best basketball conference in March.