Coach Rick Barnes says Robert Hubbs provides 'courageous' example for Vols

Tennessee's Robert Hubbs III, middle, competes for a rebound against Vanderbilt's Matthew Fisher-Davis, left, and Luke Kornet during the first half of last week's game in Knoxville. Hubbs has played through a knee injury in recent games with his senior season nearing its conclusion.
Tennessee's Robert Hubbs III, middle, competes for a rebound against Vanderbilt's Matthew Fisher-Davis, left, and Luke Kornet during the first half of last week's game in Knoxville. Hubbs has played through a knee injury in recent games with his senior season nearing its conclusion.

KNOXVILLE - During his first season as Tennessee's men's basketball coach, Rick Barnes fought the same fight his two predecessors did with Robert Hubbs III.

Often the former five-star recruit would flash his undeniable talent, but extracting it from Hubbs and knowing when it would show proved to be a frustrating endeavor for whoever was coaching the Volunteers.

In the past year, however, the enigmatic Hubbs, who today will play what is likely the final home game of his career when the Vols take on Alabama, has earned Barnes' respect with the toughness he has shown during his senior season.

"When I got here, we had been his third coaching staff in his time here, and we've talked about it before where that's not an easy thing for any player," Barnes said before Friday's practice. "I'd heard all the things about Robert, but when you look at it and what he's done this year - he fought some injuries last year, but the way he's gone about it since the end of last season, I can only speak volumes about Robert and what he's tried to do. In the last three weeks, he has been as courageous as any player that we've been around in a long time.

"We know he has struggled with his knee a little bit, but he's refused to do anything but try to give his all. You appreciate that. When you think about it, he's one of 48 players in the history of Tennessee basketball to crack the 1,000-point club. I'm sure he would be the first to tell you it could have been more and better. I think every player says that when their time is up."

When his Tennessee career is complete, some may knock Hubbs for never living up to the hype he arrived with in 2013. But it's worth noting his freshman and sophomore seasons ended with coaching changes, and he has often struggled to stay healthy.

His first season ended after 12 games when he elected to have shoulder surgery, and last season he underwent knee surgery in December. For much of this season, he has battled a lingering knee problem that has limited him in practice and hindered him in games down the stretch as Tennessee's season has fallen apart.

Twice in recent weeks Hubbs had his right knee drained, yet he continues to gut it out on one good leg.

"I give my all every time I step on the court," he said, "so I'm not going to make any excuses."

Hubbs deserves credit for never shying away from his struggles. He has politely answered countless questions about his inconsistency, disappearing acts and losses.

"He is soft-spoken," Barnes said. "When I get on him, whatever it may be, it's, 'Yes, sir.' Or I'll ask him a question and it's, 'No, sir.' He comes from a great family, and you can tell that. I knew that from the very first time I met him and from the first time I spoke with his parents.

"I think sometimes people think leaders have to be loud, and that's not necessarily true. I think what our players appreciate about him, if they're aware of what's going on, you have to have great respect for a guy who's gone through what he's gone through with some injuries since he's been here, but especially the last month. It's impressive."

Perspective has likely helped Hubbs persevere.

"... Other guys, little nicks here and there, they make a big deal about it when the reality is it's not that big a deal," Barnes continued. "It's them being young, and it's a case of Robert being older and understanding that his time is drawing near. He doesn't want to let one day go by without trying to make the most of it."

Hubbs's career isn't devoid of highlights.

As a sophomore he scored 16 points in an upset of Arkansas, drove nearly the length of the court before banking in a game-tying shot at the buzzer to force overtime in Tennessee's win at Vanderbilt and chipped in 16 points when the Vols beat the Commodores again in the SEC tournament.

Last season he played well in an upset of South Carolina, led another upset against Ben Simmons and LSU after teammate Kevin Punter Jr. was injured and was vital to the Vols' SEC tournament success. This season Hubbs poured in 25 points in the upset of Kentucky.

"Of course it's not ideal or expected or how I wanted it to be, but I'm perfectly fine with it," Hubbs said of his career.

He then was asked about how he wants to be remembered.

"Just as a person who went out and gave his all for Tennessee," Hubbs replied. "He never ran away from his circumstances, no matter what it was. He stayed with the course."

Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.

Upcoming Events