Vandy Coach Makes Interesting Comments About Rick Barnes

Image: The Washington Post

By Cody McClure

Vanderbilt head basketball coach Mark Byington reportedly made some interesting comments about Tennessee’s Rick Barnes ahead of the teams’ clash on Saturday in Nashville.

"My second day on the job, he called me and we had a long talk, and couldn't have been more genuine, welcomed me into the league and asked if I needed help," Byington said on Thursday. "And I'm supposed to, I guess we're supposed to hate him, but he's a good guy. He's genuine, and he is who he is."

Byington also emphasized just how hard it is to score against the Vols, according to Vandy247 reporter Joey Dwyer.

"Sometimes you get an open shot and you're so surprised you get an open shot that you won't make that because you're like 'hey, I can't believe they made a mistake.'"

Byington has the Commodores off to a 13-3 start this season, while the Vols are 16-1.

The game will be at 3:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.