KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee men's basketball might be getting some good news heading into their SEC matchup with South Carolina on Saturday evening.
Head coach Rick Barnes was hopeful starters Josiah-Jordan James and Julian Phillips could play against the Gamecocks before practice on Friday.
The two starters have missed the last three games following injuries. James sprained his ankle against Vanderbilt and has missed four games since. Phillips was hut against Missouri, did not play the second half and has missed three games since.
"Yeah I think so, how much we don't know, I think that will be a game-time decision," Barnes said in response to if they will play against South Carolina. "They both were with us in practice yesterday and will both be out there. I know our team admires them for trying to push through and they've got injuries, but they want to help their team win. There's no doubt about that."
Jonas Aidoo and Jahmai Mashack started in their place.
Tennessee plays South Carolina at home inside Thompson-Boling Arena at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
