Josiah-Jordan James jokes about playing for Rick Barnes: 'I didn't even really like him'

Josiah-Jordan James joked about playing under head coach Rick Barnes Tuesday at Tennessee’s basketball media days.

James said that he’s developed a strong relationship with Barnes, but it wasn’t always that way at first:

#Vols guard Josiah-Jordan James on coach Rick Barnes: At times early in my career I didn’t even really like him, and he knows that, but now I understand him and love him and can’t imagine my life without him. He’ll be a part of my life until the day I die.

— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) October 5, 2022

James is set to be  the vocal leader of Tennessee basketball this year. The senior guard turned small forward is as talented as any player in the SEC.

Tennessee is looking to bounce back from a disappointing early exit from the 2022 NCAA Tournament with a roster made up largely of returning stars. James is back, as is Santiago Vescovi, Zakai Zeigler and forward Olivier Nkamhoua.

The Vols also nabbed Indiana State guard Tyreke Key from the transfer portal.