Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames commits to Tennessee

Q: What are Dai Dai Ames' career statistics before joining Tennessee?

Before joining Tennessee, Dai Dai Ames averaged 16.9 points per game at California, shooting 46 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three-point range.

Q: Which teams did Dai Dai Ames play for before transferring to Tennessee?

Dai Dai Ames previously played for Kansas State, Virginia, and California before committing to Tennessee.

Q: Who is the head coach of Tennessee basketball that recruited Dai Dai Ames?

Rick Barnes is the head coach of Tennessee basketball who recruited Dai Dai Ames as the first transfer commitment of the offseason.

Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames commits to Tennessee

TL;DR

Dai Dai Ames, a 6-2 guard from California, has committed to Tennessee, marking the Volunteers' first transfer portal addition of the offseason. Ames averaged 16.9 points per game last season and has previously played for Kansas State and Virginia.

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Dai Dai Ames #7 of the California Golden Bears dribbles against the UIC Flames in the first half during the first round of the National Invitation Tournament at Haas Pavilion on March 18, 2026 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tennessee has its first transfer portal commitment of the offseason. Dai Dai Ames, a 6-2 guard from Cal, has committed to the Volunteers. Ames will land on his fourth team in as many years after making stops at Kansas State, Virginia and California.

Ames had a breakout season this year, scoring 16.9 points per game for the Bears. His scoring output doubled from his sophomore season with Virginia as Ames shot 46 percent from the field. Ames ended up shooing 37.6 percent from three-point range, while shooting 85 percent from the free throw line.

Ames visited Knoxville on Friday and didn’t waste much time before committing. It’s a big first get for Rick Barnes, who saw the major of his roster hit the exits last week. Ames joins Tyler Lundblade as the second transfer commitment for Tennessee, which has now added two really solid shooters to the equation. Tennessee was also able to get Troy Henderson back in the boat for his sophomore season.

Tennessee still has needs all over the roster. Big man Miles Rubin also visited Knoxville over the weekend and could end up being the Vols’ new rim protector. Former VCU guard Terrance Hill Jr. is also set to visit this week.

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