BREAKING NEWS: ELITE GUARD CHRIS HENRY FLIPS TO TENNESSEE VOLS, SHOCKING POWERHOUSE PROGRAMS IN DRAMATIC RECRUITING TURN…………
May 3, 2025 | Knoxville, TN – SEC Hoops Insider
In a stunning recruiting twist that’s set the college basketball world on fire, 5-star point guard Chris Henry, widely regarded as the best guard in the 2025 class, has officially flipped his commitment from Oregon to the Tennessee Volunteers, turning down powerhouse offers from Duke, Kansas, and Baylor in the process. The move gives Tennessee one of its most significant recruiting victories in recent history and solidifies head coach Rick Barnes’ 2025 class as one of the nation’s best.
Henry, a 6-foot-5 playmaker out of Montverde Academy (FL), originally committed to Oregon in late 2024, citing their up-tempo offense and strong NIL infrastructure. But over the past two months, Tennessee surged into the mix with a relentless recruiting effort, a compelling developmental plan, and a program on the rise.
> “Tennessee just felt different,” Henry said during his live announcement on ESPN’s College Basketball Now. “The culture, the grind, the commitment to winning and getting better—Coach Barnes made it clear that I wouldn’t just be another name. I’d be a leader from day one.”
FROM DUCK TO VOL: HOW THE FLIP HAPPENED
Henry’s decommitment from Oregon last week sent shockwaves through the recruiting community, and rumors quickly surfaced that Tennessee had emerged as the frontrunner. Sources close to the Henry family confirmed that a private visit to Knoxville last month sealed the deal.
> “The visit to Rocky Top was game-changing,” said Henry’s high school coach, Marcus Givens. “Chris got to sit down with Coach Barnes, watch film, run practice drills with the team. He saw the vision—and he bought in.”
According to insiders, Tennessee’s pitch revolved around two key elements: NBA readiness and immediate impact. The Volunteers coaching staff presented Henry with a role that blends the scoring freedom of Kennedy Chandler with the leadership arc of Santiago Vescovi. Coupled with Barnes’ track record of producing NBA-ready guards, Henry was sold.
THE TALENT THAT TURNS PROGRAMS
Chris Henry brings everything coaches crave in a modern guard. With a rare blend of size, court vision, and explosive athleticism, he’s drawn comparisons to Ja Morant and Tyrese Haliburton. In his senior season at Montverde, Henry averaged 23.6 points, 8.1 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game, shooting 50% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc.
He’s equally dangerous off the dribble or in transition, with an uncanny ability to shift pace and create opportunities for teammates. His defensive tenacity only adds to his value—at 6’5″ with a 6’8″ wingspan, Henry can guard multiple positions, a trait Barnes loves in his guards.
> “He’s not just a scorer,” said ESPN analyst Paul Biancardi. “He’s a floor general, a leader, a competitor. Tennessee just got a program-changer.”
SEC IMPACT AND FAN FRENZY
With Henry now in the fold, Tennessee’s backcourt outlook for 2025-26 is electric. He’ll join a core that includes 4-star combo guard Malik Rowe and returning junior sharpshooter Devin Arnett. The Vols now project as SEC favorites and a serious Final Four contender.
Vol Nation has erupted in celebration, with hashtags like #Henry2RockyTop and #FutureVolLegend trending on X (formerly Twitter). Students at UT celebrated the news with an impromptu rally at the Neyland Student Union, and Chris Henry’s commitment video, featuring drone footage of Thompson-Boling Arena and highlights in orange and white, hit a million views within hours.
> “This is one of the biggest gets in Tennessee basketball history,” said former Vols star Admiral Schofield on Instagram Live. “We’re talking about a guy who can put this program back in the Final Four.”
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR TENNESSEE AND BEYOND
With the flip of Chris Henry, Tennessee has sent a powerful message to the rest of the college basketball world: the Vols are not just players—they’re winners in the national recruiting game.
Coach Barnes, often celebrated for his development over flash, proved he can close on elite talent when it matters most.
> “I believe in Chris as both a player and a person,” Barnes said in a statement. “We’re building something special here—and he’s the cornerstone.”
Meanwhile, Duke, Kansas, and Baylor are left scrambling to regroup in the 2025 cycle, with Henry’s decision impacting the remaining guard market in a major way.
FINAL WORD FROM THE PHENOM HIMSELF
As he wrapped up his announcement, wearing a Tennessee cap and flanked by family and friends, Chris Henry had one final message:
> “To Vol Nation—let’s get ready. Because I’m bringing energy, leadership, and everything I’ve got. It’s Rocky Top time.”
With the nation’s best guard now headed to Knoxville, the countdown to tipoff just got a whole lot more exciting on Rocky Top.
