“We appreciate what Jonas did while he was here”: Rick Barnes expresses true feelings on Jonas Aidoo transferring from Tennessee to Arkansas 

Rick Barnes and the No. 1-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (13-0) are set to face Jonas Aidoo and the No. 23-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks (11-2) on Saturday in a highly anticipated SEC showdown.

Jonas Aidoo, who played three seasons at Tennessee, transferred to Arkansas following an All-SEC sophomore season.

The 6-foot-11 forward is averaging 6.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and shooting 55.3% this season, a drop from his 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds as a junior with the Volunteers due to injuries.

Reflecting on Aidoo’s time at Tennessee ahead of the matchup, Rick Barnes had nothing but praise for the player.

“We appreciate what Jonas did while he was here,” Barnes said. “But you all know the landscape of where we are in intercollegiate athletics. You're going to see more of that, obviously, as time goes on, when guys leave and go to other places for various reasons sometimes.”

“Jonas, really, we loved him when he was here, what he did, and loved his growth,” Barnes said.

Barnes didn’t expect Jonas Aidoo’s decision to transfer last April after he entered the transfer portal.

“Yeah, because he had told everybody he was fine,” Barnes said. “He's there, we're here, and it's about competition now.”

Eight months later, the former Volunteers forward will return to Knoxville, this time as a member of the Razorbacks.

Jonas Aidoo wasn’t the only player to leave Tennessee after last season as guard Freddie Dilione transferred to Penn State, D.J. Jefferson moved to Longwood and Tobe Awaka joined Arizona.

In response, Tennessee added new talent, including Darlinstone Dubar, Chaz Lanier, Igor Milicic Jr., and Felix Okpara. As Tennessee and Arkansas prepare to clash, Saturday’s game signifies more than just a pivotal SEC matchup but a reunion underscored by mutual respect and the ever-evolving nature of college athletics.

Kenny Payne speaks about Jonas Aidoo's return to Knoxville with Arkansas

Arkansas’ SEC opener brings an added layer of intensity as Jonas Aidoo, the Razorbacks’ big man and former Tennessee standout, returns to face his old team.

Arkansas assistant coach Kenny Payne acknowledged the significance of Aidoo’s return.

“He’s done a lot of great things at Tennessee, and he’s going back home,” Payne said. “I’m sure there are emotions involved. I’m sure the [Tennessee] team is going to want to go at him some. I’m curious to see how he handles it.”

Aidoo, in his junior season, was named to the All-SEC second team and SEC All-Defensive Team. His transfer to Arkansas has set the stage for an intriguing reunion on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.

The Volunteers, led by coach Rick Barnes, are riding a nation-best 13-game winning streak and are determined to defend their home court. Tennessee’s dominant play and top ranking make them a formidable opponent for Arkansas, which faces a challenging conference schedule ahead.

The Thompson-Boling Arena is expected to be packed with a raucous crowd eager to welcome Aidoo back to Knoxville.

For Arkansas, it’s an opportunity to make a statement in their SEC opener, while Tennessee aims to maintain its winning momentum and prove why they hold the No. 1 spot.