Ann Arbor, Mich. - In a surprising turn of events, Lady Vols forward Janiah Barker has been marked out for Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament clash against NC State. Initially absent from Thursday’s report, her name surfaced just before Friday's tip-off, citing an illness rather than an injury as the reason for her absence.
Barker’s presence on the court has been significant this season. Averaging 14.3 points with a 46.5% shooting accuracy, along with 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, she’s been a cornerstone for Tennessee. Her performance has also positioned her as a promising prospect for the upcoming WNBA draft.
Her experience in March Madness is invaluable. Last year, she made a deep run with UCLA, only to be halted by UConn in the Final Four. Now, she’s seen as a pivotal player in breaking Tennessee’s seven-game losing streak and pushing further into the tournament.
In her own words, Barker emphasized the importance of resilience and teamwork. “I just want to see fight.
Just fight,” she expressed passionately. Reflecting on her experiences, she highlighted her desire to support her teammate Nya, who’s experiencing March Madness for the first time.
“I want to make sure I can put whatever I have out there on the floor for her.”
Barker’s message to her team is clear: belief and unity can lead to unexpected triumphs in March. With her encouragement, the Lady Vols are set to face NC State with determination.
The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET at Crisler Arena and will be broadcast on ESPN. The victor will advance to face Michigan on Sunday.