The storm has long passed in the Mid-State area following last week’s devastating tornado that has affected multiple communities across the state but the recovery has only just begun as many lives were lost in addition to homes and businesses severely damaged or completely destroyed.

Rick Barnes and his Tennessee basketball team are set to play for their postseason lives in the upcoming 2020 SEC Tournament, which begins on Wednesday — with the Vols first game set to be played on Thursday, but instead of focusing all their attention on the game, the Vols wanted to do what they could to help those in need.

Before making it to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the site of the 2020 SEC Tournament, the Volunteers made a stop in Cookeville to lend a hand in the ongoing relief efforts following the devastating tornado.

“We knew that we wanted our players to stop and just understand what really happened in this part of the state,” Barnes shared on Wednesday. “You look around and see how many volunteers, first responders, the people here, how this community has really come together. So many people outside the community have come in here and do their part. This is real life. We’re blessed to play a game that we love and this is real life. The key to real life is loving people and treating your neighbors the way you want to be treated.”

Check out the full clip below courtesy of the official Tennessee Basketball Twitter account: