Rick Barnes gives Jalen Washington update, handling eligibility fight like a 'pro'

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Rick Barnes didn't provide an update on Jalen Washington's eligibility , but the Tennessee basketball coach said the transfer has handled all the uncertainty going into the season like "an absolute pro." The 6-foot-10 Washington is suing the NCAA in federal court to play one more season of college basketball, but the former Vanderbilt player is ineligible for now. "He wants to play. He has been great in terms of, every day he comes to work, every single day," Barnes said Oct. 13 at SEC Basketball Tipoff '27 at the Hotel Wildemont.