**Breaking News: Tent Frames, 5-Star Small Forward, Commits to Tennessee Volunteers Basketball – Rick Barnes Makes Monumental Announcement**
*Knoxville, TN – July 1, 2025*
The Tennessee Volunteers basketball program has landed another elite talent. In a move that sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball world, **Tent Frames**, one of the nation’s top-ranked high school basketball recruits, has **officially committed** to play for the **University of Tennessee**. The 5-star small forward made his decision public during a nationally televised segment on ESPN, where he thanked his family, coaches, and mentors — and then unzipped a jacket to reveal a bold orange Tennessee shirt, igniting a firestorm of excitement across Rocky Top.
At a press conference held moments later, **head coach Rick Barnes** confirmed the commitment, calling Tent’s decision a “generational moment for our program” and a “testament to what we’ve been building at Tennessee.”
> “Tent Frames is not only an extraordinary basketball player — he’s an extraordinary young man,” Barnes said. “His work ethic, leadership, and competitive fire match everything we stand for at Tennessee. He’s going to change the game here.”
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### Who Is Tent Frames?
**Tent Frames** has been at the top of recruiting boards since his sophomore year. Standing **6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan**, the small forward out of Houston, Texas is a nightmare matchup on both ends of the floor. Known for his **high-flying dunks**, **lockdown defense**, and **versatility**, Frames has consistently drawn comparisons to NBA stars like **Paul George** and **Mikal Bridges**.
As a senior at Westlake High School, he averaged:
* **24.5 points per game**
* **9.2 rebounds**
* **3.8 assists**
* **2.7 steals**
* **1.6 blocks**
His explosive first step, combined with a smooth jumper and elite basketball IQ, made him a favorite among scouts. ESPN ranked him the **No. 3 small forward nationally** and **No. 7 overall player** in the Class of 2025.
> “Tent is the kind of athlete who elevates everyone around him,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “He’s a two-way player with serious upside. Tennessee just got a future pro.”
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### Why Tennessee?
Tent Frames had a final list that included **Kansas, Duke, Arkansas, and Alabama**, but ultimately, the culture, player development, and family environment at Tennessee won his heart.
> “When I visited Knoxville, I just knew,” Frames said. “The people, the energy, the accountability — it felt right. Coach Barnes was honest from day one. He told me he wouldn’t make me comfortable, he’d make me better. And that’s all I needed to hear.”
Sources close to the family say Frames was also drawn to Tennessee’s track record of sending well-rounded players to the NBA and preparing them for long-term success both on and off the court. His parents, Darrell and Kisha Frames, expressed their support and admiration for the coaching staff’s integrity.
> “We’re not just handing our son off to a team,” said Kisha Frames. “We’re handing him off to a family. And we know he’s going to be pushed, protected, and prepared.”
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### Rick Barnes’ Reaction: “A Cornerstone of Our Future”
Rick Barnes did not hold back in his praise of Tent Frames, calling him one of the most impactful recruits he’s coached in his 30-year career.
> “This is a player who changes the entire makeup of your roster,” Barnes said. “Tent can score from anywhere, guard multiple positions, and lead without saying a word. He’s going to wear orange with pride — and he’s going to make Rocky Top proud.”
Barnes also pointed out that Frames’ decision to commit may influence other top-tier recruits still weighing their options for 2025, solidifying Tennessee as a **destination program**.
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### The Bigger Picture: A Class of Legends
Tent Frames now joins an already impressive Tennessee 2025 recruiting class that includes:
* **Nate Ament (5-star SF)**: Smooth scorer and elite athlete
* **Clarence Massamba (4-star SG)**: Defensive maestro with playmaking chops
* **Troy Henderson (3-star PG)**: Calm floor general and future leader
With Frames in the mix, the class is now projected to be **Top 3 in the nation**, rivaling recruiting powerhouses like Kentucky, Duke, and Michigan State.
> “This group has Final Four potential — no question,” said CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander. “Tennessee’s class blends elite talent, depth, and purpose. That’s a rare combination.”
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### Fans React: “The Future Just Landed in Knoxville”
The response from **Vol Nation** was nothing short of euphoric. Social media exploded with messages of excitement, and within minutes of the announcement, fans flooded the Tennessee online store to pre-order Frames’ jersey. Hashtags like **#TentToRockyTop**, **#FramesEra**, and **#BuiltByBarnes** trended for hours.
Thousands of fans gathered at Market Square in downtown Knoxville, where a giant screen aired the live announcement and celebration erupted the moment Tent picked Tennessee.
> “He’s got star power. He’s got grit. He’s Rocky Top material,” said longtime fan Tony Mullins. “This kid’s going to hang banners.”
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### What’s Next for Tent Frames?
Tent Frames is expected to **enroll early** and participate in summer training sessions beginning in August 2025. He’ll join returning veterans and fellow freshmen in early workouts under assistant coach Rod Clark and strength coordinator Garrett Medenwald.
There’s also speculation that Frames could become one of Tennessee’s **most valuable NIL figures**, with several endorsement opportunities already forming in partnership with local businesses and national brands. However, sources close to the family insist that “his focus is on basketball and winning — not on branding.”
Frames has also expressed interest in community outreach, specifically mentoring inner-city youth and creating basketball clinics for underserved neighborhoods across Tennessee.
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### Final Word: A New Era at Rocky Top
Tent Frames’ commitment represents more than just the arrival of a 5-star recruit — it’s a declaration that **Tennessee basketball is here to dominate, not just compete**. His presence immediately elevates the team’s national standing and sets the tone for a culture built on excellence, accountability, and unity.
> “I didn’t come here to be average,” Frames said. “I came here to work. To win. And to leave a legacy.”
With Rick Barnes at the helm, and a freshman class brimming with future stars, the Tennessee Volunteers are poised for **a golden era of success** — and Tent Frames is leading the charge.
**Welcome to Rocky Top, Tent. The journey begins now. **
**GO VOLS.**
**END**
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