Tennessee Basketball Secures Major 2025 Commitment as Four-Star Guard Chooses the Volunteers***

The Tennessee Volunteers have landed another prized recruit. Four-star guard Ethan Burg, one of the most dynamic and skilled prospects in the 2025 class, has officially committed to Tennessee Basketball, giving head coach Rick Barnes and his staff another major building block for the program’s future.

Burg, a 6-foot-4 guard from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, chose Tennessee over offers from Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, and Miami, signaling the Vols’ growing recruiting power under Barnes. Known for his elite shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and leadership on both ends of the court, Burg is expected to make an immediate impact when he arrives in Knoxville.

> “It just felt like home,” Burg said after making his announcement. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the energy. Coach Barnes and his staff showed me how much they believed in my game and how I could thrive in their system. The fans, the facilities, the culture — everything about Tennessee felt right.”

Burg’s commitment represents a key win for Tennessee in the highly competitive 2025 recruiting cycle. Over the past few years, Barnes and his staff have developed a strong reputation for turning talented guards into polished college stars — a trend that clearly appealed to Burg.

> “I love the way Tennessee plays,” Burg added. “They move the ball, play hard defense, and give their guards freedom to create. Coach Barnes knows how to develop players, and I trust him to help me reach the next level.”

On the court, Burg is as versatile as they come. He’s a natural scorer who can shoot efficiently from three, attack off the dribble, and create scoring opportunities for teammates. His smooth shooting motion and confidence make him a threat from anywhere on the floor, while his court vision and composure make him equally effective as a playmaker.

During his junior season at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Burg averaged 21.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, earning first-team all-state honors and helping lead his team to a deep playoff run. His performances against top competition turned heads among college scouts and firmly established him as one of the premier backcourt players in his class.

Recruiting analysts have praised Tennessee’s ability to land Burg, calling it one of the most impressive backcourt additions of the 2025 cycle.

> “Ethan Burg is a game-changer,” said Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports. “He’s a guard who can control the pace, stretch defenses, and elevate everyone around him. His combination of poise and scoring ability makes him an ideal fit for Rick Barnes’ system at Tennessee.”

For Barnes, who continues to build one of the most balanced rosters in the SEC, Burg’s commitment brings another layer of versatility and leadership to the program. The Volunteers have established themselves as a consistent national contender, known for their discipline, defense, and player development. Adding a high-IQ, high-motor guard like Burg fits perfectly into that identity.

> “Ethan is a competitor,” Barnes said following the commitment. “He’s a young man who plays with great passion and focus. What stands out most about him is his commitment to getting better every day. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better — both on and off the court.”

Burg’s decision also reflects Tennessee’s growing reputation for developing NBA-ready talent. In recent years, the Volunteers have sent several key players to the professional ranks, including Grant Williams, Keon Johnson, Jaden Springer, and Kennedy Chandler. That track record of development was not lost on Burg during his recruitment.

> “I’ve watched what Coach Barnes has done with guards who came before me,” Burg said. “They became better players and better men. That’s something I want for myself — to grow, compete, and be part of something bigger than me.”

The environment in Knoxville also played a big role in Burg’s commitment. Known for having one of the most passionate fan bases in college basketball, Tennessee’s home atmosphere at Thompson-Boling Arena stood out to the talented guard.

> “The fans are amazing,” Burg said. “When I visited, the energy in that arena was something I’ll never forget. You can tell how much basketball means to them. I want to play in front of that kind of crowd every night.”

Beyond his on-court talent, Burg brings intangibles that coaches love — work ethic, composure, and leadership. His high school coach, Marcus Diaz, spoke highly of his maturity and drive.

> “Ethan is one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever had,” Diaz said. “He studies the game, asks questions, and never takes a day off. He’s got a quiet confidence that lifts his teammates. Tennessee’s getting a great player and an even better person.”

Burg joins what is shaping up to be an elite 2025 recruiting class for Tennessee. With his addition, the Vols continue to position themselves as one of the top programs in the SEC, blending experience, toughness, and elite young talent.

For Tennessee fans, the commitment is yet another reason to be excited about the program’s trajectory. With the Vols consistently in contention for SEC titles and deep NCAA Tournament runs, the arrival of Burg could be the piece that helps Tennessee take the next step.

> “My goal is to win,” Burg said. “I’m coming to Tennessee to compete for championships. I want to be part of a team that makes history.”

With Ethan Burg’s commitment, Rick Barnes and the Volunteers not only secured a top guard but also made a statement to the rest of college basketball — Tennessee is here to stay among the elite.

As the 2025 class continues to take shape, one thing is clear: the Vols’ future in Knoxville looks brighter than ever, and the arrival of Ethan Burg might just be the spark that ignites the next great era of Tennessee basketball.