“Will (UT) strike gold again? I don’t know. But I’m certainly going to put my trust in Rick Barnes & company, because they know what they’re doing.” VFL Steve Hamer joined John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara to talk Vols hoops, football, and more.

 

 

 

Former Tennessee basketball standout and proud VFL (Vol For Life) Steve Hamer joined *The Sports Animal’s* John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara this week to share his thoughts on the current state of Tennessee athletics — and let’s just say, optimism is running high in Big Orange Country.

Hamer, a 7-footer who starred for the Vols in the mid-90s before going on to play in the NBA, didn’t hesitate when asked about his confidence in head coach Rick Barnes and the direction of Tennessee basketball.

“Will UT strike gold again? I don’t know,” Hamer said with a chuckle. “But I’m certainly going to put my trust in Rick Barnes & company, because they know what they’re doing.”

With another deep NCAA Tournament run fresh in the minds of fans and analysts alike, Barnes and his staff are reloading — not rebuilding — and Hamer believes the Vols are closer than ever to breaking through to that elusive Final Four.

“People forget how consistent we’ve been,” Hamer said. “There are blue bloods that haven’t sniffed the success we’ve had the past five, six years. Rick Barnes has elevated the expectations, and that’s a good thing. That means we’re in the conversation every single year.”

The conversation also turned to player development — a trademark of the Barnes era. Hamer pointed to the success stories of players like Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield, and most recently Dalton Knecht, who skyrocketed from relative unknown to SEC Player of the Year and NBA Draft prospect under Barnes’ guidance.

“Those guys didn’t come in as five-stars,” Hamer said. “But look what they became. That’s coaching. That’s culture. That’s Tennessee.”

Wilkerson and Ferrara also got Hamer’s take on the gridiron, where Josh Heupel’s football Vols continue to build momentum in the SEC. With spring practice wrapped and a quarterback competition heating up, Hamer said he’s impressed by the team’s energy and focus heading into 2025.

“I’m excited, man,” Hamer said. “Nico’s the real deal, and the defense has taken a big step forward. You can feel the buzz again. It’s not just hope anymore — it’s belief.”

Beyond wins and losses, Hamer emphasized the culture shift that’s taken place across Tennessee athletics — from basketball to football and beyond.

“There’s pride again,” he said. “Whether it’s the women’s programs, baseball, or track and field, there’s a standard now. And that starts with leadership. The university’s investing in winning, and it shows.”

Hamer, who remains closely tied to the UT community and continues to mentor young athletes, wrapped up the interview with a message for Vol fans everywhere.

“Keep showing up. Keep supporting these kids. We’re building something special in Knoxville — across the board. And I’m proud to be a part of it.”

As the Vols gear up for another year of big expectations, one thing is clear: the VFLs are all in — and so is Steve Hamer.

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