Rick Barnes on Felix Okpara: “If He Were Smart, He’d Stop Taking Threes to Protect His All-Time Percentage
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes is known for his ability to blend humor with insight, and his latest comments about sophomore forward Felix Okpara prove just that. During a recent press conference, Barnes playfully suggested that Okpara, who is statistically Tennessee’s most accurate three-point shooter, should retire his long-range shot attempts to secure his legacy as the program’s all-time leader in three-point percentage.
“If Felix were smart, he wouldn’t take another three,” Barnes joked. “He could leave Tennessee as the all-time leader in three-point percentage. Imagine walking out of here with a record no one could touch—that’s a legacy.”
While Barnes’ remarks were lighthearted, they highlighted a unique and ironic aspect of Okpara’s game. The 6-foot-11 forward, known primarily for his defensive prowess and interior presence, has taken just one three-point shot in his Tennessee career—and he made it.
Okpara’s lone three-pointer came in a blowout victory during his freshman season, a shot that electrified the crowd and brought smiles to his teammates and coaching staff. While his shot was a rare occurrence for the big man, it etched his name in Tennessee’s statistical history with a perfect 100% three-point shooting record.
Barnes couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of Okpara preserving this quirky distinction. “You don’t see that every day—a 6-foot-11 guy with the best three-point percentage in school history. But hey, I’d put that on my résumé if I were him.”
Jokes aside, Okpara’s impact on Tennessee basketball extends far beyond his shooting percentage. The former four-star recruit from Nigeria has become a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ defense. Known for his shot-blocking ability, rebounding, and athleticism, Okpara thrives in the paint, anchoring the Vols’ defense against some of the toughest opponents in the SEC.
“Felix is one of the best rim protectors I’ve ever coached,” Barnes said. “He understands his role, and he takes pride in it. That’s what makes him so valuable to this team.”
As Barnes and his coaching staff work to develop Okpara’s offensive game, the sophomore remains focused on improving his fundamentals. While three-point shooting isn’t a significant part of his arsenal, Okpara’s ability to run the floor and finish at the rim has made him an essential part of Tennessee’s frontcourt rotation.
The question now is whether Okpara will ever take another three-point shot. Some fans have encouraged him to preserve his perfect percentage and go down as a statistical anomaly in Tennessee basketball history. Others hope to see the big man take another attempt—if for no other reason than the entertainment value.
When asked about the possibility of Okpara attempting more threes, Barnes smiled and said, “I don’t think Felix wakes up thinking about shooting threes. But who knows? Maybe one day we’ll draw up a play for him, just for fun. It would certainly bring the house down.”
Okpara himself has remained humble about the situation, brushing off any talk of his three-point record with a laugh. “I’m just focused on doing my job—defending, rebounding, and helping the team win. But if Coach ever wants me to shoot another one, I’ll be ready.”
Rick Barnes’ comments about Okpara reflect his larger coaching philosophy: find moments to enjoy the game and celebrate the players who make it special. Barnes is widely respected for his ability to connect with his players and build relationships that extend beyond basketball. His playful remarks about Okpara’s three-point percentage are just another example of how he uses humor to foster camaraderie within the team.
“Basketball is a serious game, but you have to have fun with it,” Barnes said. “Felix knows we appreciate everything he brings to this team, whether he’s blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, or knocking down the occasional three.”
Whether Felix Okpara decides to take another three-point shot or not, his contributions to Tennessee basketball will be remembered for far more than his shooting percentage. As one of the Vols’ most promising young players, Okpara continues to grow into a dominant force in the SEC. And who knows? If he does step back behind the arc again, Tennessee fans might just witness another unforgettable moment from their defensive star.