*Knoxville, TN – July 1, 2025*
The Tennessee Volunteers basketball program has struck gold yet again. In a recruiting victory that is making headlines across the college basketball world, **Nino Jyst**, a dynamic and highly respected **4-star combo guard**, has officially **committed to the University of Tennessee**, choosing the Vols over final offers from **Kentucky**, **UConn**, **Florida**, and **Villanova**. The 6-foot-4 floor general out of Newark, New Jersey, made the announcement live on ESPN, delivering a simple but powerful message:
> “I’m ready to win. I’m heading to Rocky Top.”
With this commitment, head coach **Rick Barnes** continues his incredible recruiting momentum, assembling what is now considered one of the **top five 2025 recruiting classes in the nation**. Jyst’s arrival adds yet another layer of elite playmaking, two-way toughness, and leadership to a Vols backcourt that is being reimagined for deep postseason runs in the years to come.
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### Who Is Nino Jyst?
**Nino Jyst** has quietly become one of the most admired guards in high school basketball — not just for his stats, but for his work ethic, maturity, and presence on the court. As a senior at St. Benedict’s Prep, he averaged:
* **19.7 points per game**
* **5.3 assists**
* **4.1 rebounds**
* **2.6 steals**
He led St. Benedict’s to the state championship game and earned **First Team All-State honors**, as well as being named a **Jordan Brand Classic invitee**. Coaches and scouts alike praise Jyst for his rare blend of **ball-handling, defensive grit, and unselfish decision-making**, with several comparing him to a young **Jalen Brunson** or **Derrick White**.
> “Nino Jyst is a coach’s dream,” said ESPN’s Paul Biancardi. “He plays both ends of the floor with intensity, leads by example, and doesn’t shy away from pressure. He can score if needed, but more importantly, he controls the game.”
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### Why Tennessee Over Bluebloods?
In a recruiting cycle where Jyst had blueblood programs knocking on his door — including Kentucky, UConn, and even a late push from Arizona — many assumed he’d land in the arms of a traditional powerhouse. But according to Jyst himself, the decision was about more than banners and legacy. It was about **fit, development, and belief**.
> “Coach Barnes told me the truth,” Jyst said. “No gimmicks, no promises. Just hard work, high standards, and a plan. He didn’t want me for what I could do now — he wanted me for what I could become.”
He described his visit to Tennessee as **“life-changing,”** particularly the energy of the fans, the togetherness of the current players, and the no-nonsense culture in the locker room. His parents, community leaders in Newark, said they were “overwhelmed” by the support from Tennessee staff and alumni.
> “We saw how much Tennessee cared — not just about the athlete, but the man,” said Jyst’s father, Marcus. “And that made all the difference.”
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### Rick Barnes’ Reaction: “A Program Pillar”
Rick Barnes was glowing with pride as he discussed Nino Jyst’s commitment, emphasizing the impact the guard will have both immediately and in the long term.
> “Nino is a program pillar,” Barnes said. “He’s got the toughness, the instincts, and the mindset that we build our foundation on. You win championships with players like him — players who do everything the right way, every day.”
Barnes added that Jyst’s commitment gives Tennessee **greater flexibility and balance in the backcourt**, especially alongside incoming stars **Clarence Massamba** and **Troy Henderson**. Jyst is expected to log major minutes early as both a point guard and shooting guard, depending on matchups.
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### The Recruiting Class Grows Stronger
Nino Jyst joins a **loaded 2025 Tennessee recruiting class** that is now widely considered the best Barnes has ever assembled:
* **Tent Frames (5-star SF)** – explosive scorer and NBA-ready wing
* **Nate Ament (5-star SF)** – all-around forward with elite versatility
* **Clarence Massamba (4-star SG)** – defensive stopper and shot creator
* **Troy Henderson (3-star PG)** – poised floor general and steady hand
* **Nino Jyst (4-star CG)** – the complete guard, and the ultimate glue guy
With this blend of size, speed, defense, and IQ, Tennessee’s future roster looks capable of **dominating in the SEC** and competing for a **Final Four appearance** as early as 2026.
> “This class has star power,” said 247Sports’ Eric Bossi. “But more importantly, it has cohesion. These kids complement each other. Rick Barnes hit a grand slam.”
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### Fan Reactions: “Jyst in Time for a Championship Run”
The Tennessee fanbase, known for its intense devotion, erupted with excitement following Jyst’s announcement. Social media platforms lit up with hashtags like **#JystDoIt**, **#NinoToRockyTop**, and **#BarnesBuilt**, and the university’s ticketing website experienced a spike in season ticket interest.
One fan tweeted:
> *“This is no longer a rebuild. It’s a reload — and Nino Jyst is the key.”*
Jyst also trended nationally on X (formerly Twitter), with even non-Tennessee fans admitting that the Volunteers had pulled off one of the steals of the class.
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### NIL, Leadership, and What’s Next
Though Jyst isn’t flashy or show-driven, he is already attracting major attention from brands for potential NIL partnerships due to his charisma, leadership style, and influence among youth basketball communities. However, he has made it clear that his priority is winning.
> “I’m not here to be famous,” he said. “I’m here to be great. Everything else will follow.”
Jyst will officially enroll at Tennessee in January 2026 and begin offseason training with the team’s strength and development staff. Coaches are reportedly designing an individualized plan for him to further improve his shooting consistency and explosiveness, while also preparing him to **step into a leadership role immediately**.
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### Final Word: A Legend in the Making
Nino Jyst may not have been the most hyped name in this class, but he may prove to be the most essential. With his ability to bridge styles, set the tone, and deliver when it matters, Jyst’s decision to join Tennessee is more than just a recruiting win — it’s a signal that the **Volunteers are building something sustainable, special, and serious**.
> “I don’t want to just play in March,” Jyst said. “I want to cut down nets. And I want to do it with Tennessee across my chest.”
**Welcome to Rocky Top, Nino Jyst. The journey to greatness begins now. **
**END**
*Knoxville, TN – July 1, 2025*
In a move that is being hailed as a major recruiting victory for the Tennessee Volunteers, **Clarence Massamba**, a **4-star combo guard** with a rising national profile, has officially **committed to play for the University of Tennessee**. The commitment comes after weeks of intense speculation and a final decision that saw Massamba **reject offers from powerhouse programs Kentucky and Texas**, signaling a definitive shift in the Vols’ recruiting dominance under head coach **Rick Barnes**.
With his combination of **explosive athleticism, perimeter defense, court vision, and scoring efficiency**, Massamba has long been considered one of the most complete guards in the Class of 2025. His commitment not only strengthens Tennessee’s already impressive recruiting class, which includes 5-star forward Nate Ament and 3-star point guard Troy Henderson, but also **cements the Vols as a national recruiting powerhouse** with championship aspirations.
> “Today, I’m proud to say I’m taking my talents to Knoxville. I’m a Volunteer,” Clarence Massamba announced in a televised interview streamed live on ESPN Recruiting Nation. “Coach Barnes believed in me from day one. Tennessee felt like family. And I want to bring a banner home to Rocky Top.”
### Who Is Clarence Massamba?
Clarence Massamba, the son of Congolese-born professional basketball player **Jean-Pierre Massamba**, has been a standout on the national stage since his sophomore year at Montverde Academy in Florida — one of the most prestigious basketball academies in the country. Standing at **6-foot-5**, the guard has showcased a rare blend of **elite on-ball defense**, **high IQ decision-making**, and **clutch shot-making** in multiple national tournaments.
He averaged **18.2 points, 6.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.9 steals per game** during his junior season, helping Montverde to a top-five national finish and earning praise for his tenacity on both ends of the floor.
Basketball experts across the nation have compared Massamba to NBA players like **Jrue Holiday** and **Marcus Smart**, praising his defensive motor and team-first mentality. He’s considered a “coach’s dream” — someone who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to dominate a game, but who can also take over when the lights shine brightest.
> “Clarence is the kind of player that makes everyone better,” said ESPN Recruiting Analyst Jonathan Givony. “His defensive instincts are off the charts. Offensively, he’s smooth, efficient, and unselfish. He’s the type of guy you build winning teams around.”
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### The Decision: Why Tennessee Over Kentucky and Texas?
Massamba’s recruiting battle was intense. Kentucky, under new head coach Mark Pope, pursued him aggressively, making him their top target at the guard position. Texas, with its deep NIL resources and flashy playing style, also made a compelling case. Yet despite the glitz of those programs, Massamba chose Tennessee — and he did it with confidence.
In his words:
> “Kentucky’s a great program. So is Texas. But Tennessee? That’s family. That’s where I see myself growing — as a player and a person. I don’t need the spotlight. I want the grind. I want the fire. I want Rocky Top.”
Sources close to the recruitment say Massamba was particularly swayed by **Rick Barnes’ honesty and developmental approach**, as well as his vision for using Massamba as a two-way guard who could start immediately but also evolve within the team concept.
> “Coach Barnes didn’t promise me minutes. He promised me growth. And that was everything.”
### Rick Barnes Reacts: “We Just Got a Winner”
At a press conference held shortly after Massamba’s announcement, Rick Barnes appeared emotional and energized as he spoke about his newest recruit.
> “Clarence Massamba is a winner — plain and simple. He plays the right way, he defends, he leads, and he has a heart that fits everything we believe in here at Tennessee.”
Barnes noted that Massamba will play a **critical role in a new-look backcourt**, which is undergoing transition with the expected departures of key veterans to the NBA. He sees Massamba as an immediate contributor — one who will anchor the perimeter defensively while also facilitating ball movement and initiating fast breaks.
> “Clarence doesn’t have to wait his turn,” Barnes said. “He’ll have the green light — not to just shoot, but to lead. This is his team as much as anyone’s.”
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### How Massamba Fits Into Tennessee’s Game Plan
Massamba brings an elite skillset tailor-made for Barnes’ system, which emphasizes defense, unselfish play, and grit.
* **Defense**: Massamba is widely considered one of the best perimeter defenders in his class. He takes pride in locking down the opposition’s best scorer and can defend 1 through 3.
* **Offensive IQ**: His decision-making in transition and half-court settings is superb. He rarely forces shots and is known for making the extra pass.
* **Toughness and leadership**: Massamba brings an edge and maturity far beyond his years. Coaches describe him as “intense but humble.”
With fellow newcomers **Nate Ament** and **Troy Henderson**, Tennessee is assembling a **top-5 recruiting class** that is built not just on talent, but on chemistry, defense, and a team-first mentality.
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### National Reactions: “Tennessee Has Arrived”
Massamba’s decision sent shockwaves through the college basketball world. Analysts and rival coaches alike admitted the significance of the Vols landing a recruit of this caliber — especially over bluebloods like Kentucky and Texas.
* **Jay Bilas**: “Tennessee is no longer the underdog in the SEC. They’re the standard.”
* **Seth Greenberg**: “Rick Barnes is on a recruiting tear. With Massamba and Ament, they have NBA talent in the building.”
* **Dick Vitale**: “WOW, BABY! TENNESSEE STRIKES AGAIN! DEFENSE, ENERGY & HEART COMING TO KNOXVILLE!”
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### Vol Nation Reacts: “Another Warrior Joins the Rocky Top Army”
Tennessee fans erupted with excitement after the news broke. On social media, hashtags like **#MassambaToRockyTop** and **#VolsLockDown** trended nationally. Fans flooded the Tennessee Athletics site to purchase Massamba-themed merchandise, and several murals are already being planned in downtown Knoxville celebrating the incoming star.
Students on campus began gathering outside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex to celebrate, with one fan holding a sign that read:
> *“We don’t rebuild. We reload. Welcome, Clarence.”*
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### Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Clarence Massamba?
Massamba is expected to **graduate early and enroll in Tennessee’s spring semester**, where he’ll begin practicing with the team and participating in weight training and team development. He has also signed with a local NIL collective, which will help launch a community initiative focused on youth mentorship and literacy — a cause close to his heart.
> “This isn’t just about basketball,” Massamba said. “I want to be part of this community. I want to give back.”
He’ll join a Vols squad brimming with potential and with one clear mission: **bring a national championship to Rocky Top**.
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### Final Word: Clarence Massamba, the Perfect Fit for Tennessee
In an era where flash often overshadows fundamentals, Clarence Massamba stands out for his substance, his grit, and his unrelenting commitment to the game. For Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers, landing a player of his caliber — with his character — signals more than a recruiting win.
It signals that Tennessee Basketball is here to stay.
> “Legends aren’t just born,” said Barnes. “They’re made — through hard work, sacrifice, and heart. Clarence Massamba is going to be one of those legends. And it all starts now.”
**Welcome to Rocky Top, Clarence. The journey begins. **
**END**
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