Rick Barnes on Felix Okpara: A Smart Play Away from Tennessee’s Three-Point Percentage Record
Tennessee head basketball coach Rick Barnes is known for his candidness, and his recent comments about sophomore center Felix Okpara have sparked conversation. In a lighthearted moment during a press conference, Barnes suggested that if Okpara were smart, he would stop taking three-point shots altogether to secure his place in Tennessee basketball history as the all-time leader in three-point percentage.
While the remark was made in jest, it underscores Okpara’s unique statistical situation and highlights the growing influence of modern basketball, where even big men like Okpara are encouraged to stretch the floor with their shooting. Let’s dive into the context behind Barnes’ comments and what it says about the talented young center’s future with the Volunteers.
Felix Okpara, a 6-foot-11 center, isn’t your typical sharpshooter. Known more for his rim protection, rebounding, and interior scoring, Okpara’s role on the court is rooted in traditional big-man fundamentals. However, through a combination of limited attempts and timely execution, he has managed to put himself in contention for an unlikely statistical achievement.
Currently, Okpara’s three-point percentage is perfect—or near-perfect—thanks to hitting the rare few attempts he has taken. This kind of efficiency is a statistical anomaly and places him in a position to potentially leave Tennessee as the program’s all-time leader in three-point percentage, albeit on a very small sample size.
For context, Tennessee’s record book favors players who have made significant contributions from beyond the arc over their careers. However, there is no minimum attempt threshold to qualify for the percentage leaderboard, meaning Okpara’s pristine shooting mark is as valid as that of any high-volume shooter—at least on paper.
Barnes, a veteran coach with decades of experience, has a knack for balancing seriousness with humor. His suggestion that Okpara refrain from taking another three-point shot to preserve his perfect percentage was clearly tongue-in-cheek but also reflective of his coaching philosophy.
“Felix has a unique opportunity here,” Barnes joked. “If he’s smart, he won’t take another three for the rest of his career. That way, he can go down as the all-time leader in three-point percentage at Tennessee. That’s something to tell your grandkids about, right?”
While the comment drew laughs, it also highlighted an important coaching principle: understanding one’s strengths and playing within them. Barnes’ statement was less about discouraging Okpara from evolving his game and more about emphasizing the importance of self-awareness on the court.
The idea of a 6-foot-11 center holding a three-point shooting record would have been unthinkable a generation ago. However, basketball has evolved, and the modern game places a premium on versatility. Stretch bigs—players who can shoot from the perimeter while still providing a presence in the paint—are becoming increasingly valuable at all levels of the sport.
Okpara’s ability to hit the occasional three, even in limited opportunities, speaks to his willingness to adapt to this new paradigm. While he may not be a high-volume shooter, the fact that he’s comfortable taking and making perimeter shots hints at untapped potential in his offensive game.
Barnes and his staff have likely encouraged Okpara to explore these aspects of his skill set in practice. However, during games, the priority remains on his bread-and-butter skills: protecting the rim, grabbing rebounds, and finishing around the basket.
Barnes’ comment about Okpara’s three-point shooting record is also a testament to the coach’s ability to connect with his players. By injecting humor into the conversation, Barnes fosters a positive environment where players feel both supported and challenged.
For Okpara, the comment serves as both a compliment and a reminder. On one hand, it highlights his rare statistical achievement; on the other, it underscores the importance of maintaining focus on his primary responsibilities
Okpara’s role on the Volunteers is far more significant than his three-point shooting percentage. As one of the team’s key interior defenders and rebounders, he plays a critical part in Tennessee’s success. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways—blocking shots, altering opponents’ game plans, and finishing strong inside—makes him indispensable to the team’s strategy.
However, the humor surrounding his perfect or near-perfect three-point percentage adds a layer of intrigue to his career. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep an eye on whether he takes another shot from deep.
Rick Barnes’ comments about Felix Okpara’s three-point percentage are a playful reminder of the quirks that make college basketball so entertaining. While Okpara’s statistical anomaly is an amusing subplot, it doesn’t overshadow his importance to the Tennessee Volunteers.
Whether he chooses to maintain his spotless record or take more threes to expand his game, Okpara’s future remains bright. For now, his rare achievement is a fun footnote in what promises to be an impactful college career. And who knows? Perhaps one day, Okpara will look back on this moment as the spark that inspired him to become a true stretch big.