WALK-ON COYNE GREAT FIT FOR UT
Colin Coyne is right-handed. But that is not what Tennessee basketball needed.
The Vols required an accurate impression of Auburn forward Johni Broome, a left-handed powerhouse in the post. So Coyne became left-handed in mid-February.
“He went out and for days he worked on shooting left-handed,” Vols coach Rick Barnes said.
That is what Coyne brings to Tennessee. The senior is an invaluable presence as a 6-foot-9 forward emulating opposing big men on the scout team and doing all he can to prepare UT’s playing group for games.
“He takes his role so seriously,” Barnes said. “You love people like that. He has been a big part of our program. We are going to miss him, too, because he cares so much about his teammates and what we are trying to get done here.”
How Coyne joined Tennessee basketball
Barnes got a call from former Davidson coach Bob McKillop after the 2021-22 season. McKillop had retired after the season but had a tip for Barnes.
That tip was to take Coyne on as a walk-on. “He said I promise you that you will love having him in your program,” Barnes said. “He said if I were going to coach another year, I would love for him to be here. He said you are going to love him.”
Coyne spent his first three seasons at the University of Mary Washington, a Division III school in his hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He played in 52 games and started 23. Then he went looking for a new opportunity.
Tennessee was in the market for a reliable walk-on forward after Brock Jancek opted to transfer to ETSU for his final season.
Coyne was a perfect fit, a willing and capable player who was prepared to do anything to make the Vols better.
Why Coyne is so important to UT basketball
Coyne has been Broome, Mississippi State’s Tolu Smith, Purdue’s Zach Edey, Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson and more this season. He is tasked with creating the best impressions of all opponent even when that means learning something like how to be left-handed.
He mimics tendencies and blends his skills into those of others. He does it well, his teammates insist.
“CC is a tremendously hard-working player, truly selfless,” sophomore forward Tobe Awaka said in October. “He comes in day in and day out, not expecting anything and putting his best foot forward. He is just always working hard.”
Coyne has played 13 minutes in seven games in the past two seasons. He has scored two points, including a dunk in Tennessee’s win against Norfolk State in December. It’s not a life filled with glory, but it’s a life that matters to Tennessee’s success.
“He has become a huge part of this program,” Barnes said. “The fact that he has earned the respect of his teammates. We are going to miss him.”
In it all, Coyne is exactly what Tennessee needed.
“He takes his role so seriously. You love people like that. He has been a big part of our program.”
“We take great pride in trying to put together our walk-ons,” Barnes said.