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Rick Barnes details Dai Dai Ames being 'competitive, coachable'
TL;DR
Tennessee has signed Dai Dai Ames, a competitive and coachable guard from California, who chose the Vols over Xavier, Ole Miss, and Kansas. Coach Rick Barnes highlighted Ames' shooting skills and fit within the team's culture.
Tennessee announced the signing of California transfer guard Dai Dai Ames on Wednesday. He committed to the Vols over Xavier, Ole Miss and Kansas on April 11.
"We are excited to welcome Dai Dai and his family to the Tennessee basketball program," Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said. "He is an extremely competitive and coachable individual who really gels with our culture.
"Dai Dai can make shots in late-clock situations, which is a skill we were looking for in the portal. He is a crafty lefty with a strong frame who can finish at the rim through contact, as well as a superb movement shooter and an elite midrange scorer. All of that makes him a great fit for our system. Dai Dai really wants to be part of a winning team and contend for championships."
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound guard has played at California (2025-26), Virginia (2024-25) and Kansas State (2023-24) during his collegiate basketball career.
He is from Kenwood Academy in Chicago, Illinois.
More: 2026 Tennessee basketball transfer portal tracker
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Dai Dai Ames is 'extremely competitive, coachable individual' for Vols
Q&A
What teams did Dai Dai Ames consider before committing to Tennessee?
Dai Dai Ames considered Xavier, Ole Miss, and Kansas before committing to Tennessee.
What are Dai Dai Ames' key skills as a basketball player?
Dai Dai Ames is known for his ability to make shots in late-clock situations, being a crafty lefty, and excelling as a movement shooter and elite midrange scorer.
What is Dai Dai Ames' height and weight?
Dai Dai Ames is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds.
