Tennessee Basketball : “I Told Danny White As I Walked Off the Floor, There’s No Better Fan Base in the Country…Pick a Sport, It’s Just Phenomenal. I’m Thankful God Brought My Family Here.”
In the world of college basketball, fan bases can often define a program’s identity. Yet, few fan bases resonate with the same passion, dedication, and loyalty as that of the Tennessee Volunteers. And when Jahmai Mashack, a key figure in Tennessee’s rise to national prominence, uttered the words, “There’s no better fan base in the country…Pick a sport, it’s just phenomenal. I’m thankful God brought my family here,” he wasn’t just acknowledging the crowd’s support during a game—he was speaking to the essence of what makes Tennessee Athletics so unique.
Mashack, the first Tennessee basketball player in 72 years to be honored as the official Torchbearer, has had an incredible journey both on and off the court. Yet, beyond his individual accomplishments, one of the things that has become abundantly clear is how deeply he values the connection between the university, its athletics programs, and its incredible fan base.
Tennessee’s Unmatched Fan Passion
Tennessee fans are legendary—not just for their numbers but for their unwavering devotion. The fans are known for showing up early and staying late, packing Thompson-Boling Arena, and chanting “Rocky Top” with such energy that it reverberates across the entire campus. This support extends beyond basketball, as Tennessee’s fans are just as passionate about football, baseball, and every other sport that falls under the Volunteer banner.
Mashack’s words, as he reflected on his time at the university, highlight the unique blend of pride and community that exists within the Vols’ fan base. As someone who has played in front of these fans and been on the receiving end of their enthusiasm, it’s clear that Mashack understands just how special the Tennessee supporters are.
“There’s no better fan base in the country,” Mashack shared with genuine admiration, his voice filled with gratitude. “Pick a sport, it’s just phenomenal.”
For Mashack, these words hold personal significance. His time at Tennessee has been marked by an overwhelming sense of belonging—a recognition that the fans aren’t just there to cheer for the team, but they are part of the team’s journey. They’re invested in the successes, the struggles, and every moment in between. It’s a bond that extends beyond the game and serves as a reminder of the true power of community within college sports.
A Family Affair
As Mashack continued, his gratitude shifted to a deeper reflection on the significance of family—both the one he has in the stands and the one that has supported him through his journey. “I’m thankful God brought my family here,” he said, a statement that encapsulated not just his immediate family but also his broader Tennessee family, which includes coaches, teammates, staff, and, of course, the fans.
For any athlete, the transition to college life is an adjustment. But for Mashack, it was a transition made easier by the sense of warmth, support, and inclusivity that Tennessee’s athletic community provides. He often spoke about the way the coaches and teammates embraced him from the very start, offering not only guidance on the court but also support off it. And, of course, the fans were ever-present, cheering him on from the stands, providing him with the kind of encouragement that only a passionate fan base could.
Mashack’s statement wasn’t just about his gratitude for being part of the Tennessee program, but it also reflected the deep ties he’s built during his time there. These ties have transcended the sport itself, turning his time in Knoxville into something more than just playing basketball—it’s been about being part of something greater than himself.
The Vols’ Unbreakable Spirit
Mashack’s words about the fans speak to the spirit of the Tennessee Vols themselves. Whether on the court or in the community, Tennessee athletes exude a commitment to excellence, a tenacity that is reflected in their fans. There is a shared sense of pride in being a Volunteer, and this extends far beyond the game of basketball.
The Vols’ basketball program under head coach Rick Barnes has risen to the top of the SEC in recent years, fueled by players like Mashack who bring not just skill but a sense of grit and determination. But one thing that has remained constant during this ascent has been the connection between the players and the fans.
Mashack’s recognition as Tennessee basketball’s first Torchbearer since 1953 wasn’t just about athletic achievement. It was a symbol of the collective strength of the entire Tennessee community. The fans, the athletes, and the coaches all play an integral role in the program’s success, and Mashack’s statement speaks to that powerful unity.
A Powerful Community
Tennessee’s fan base isn’t just vocal during game days. They embody a year-round dedication to the university, showing support in the form of attendance at events, community service, and promoting the school’s athletics on a national stage. Whether cheering on the basketball team during the winter months or supporting the football team during the fall, the Volunteers’ fans stand strong together.
It’s not just the big wins that Tennessee fans celebrate—they are also present through the struggles, the adversity, and the growth of the athletes and the program. Mashack’s gratitude for his time at Tennessee reflects the level of connection athletes feel with the fans, who embrace not only the players’ athletic achievements but also their personal journeys.
“The energy they bring, the way they show up for us, it’s unmatched,” Mashack continued. “You can feel it when you step onto that court, and it makes all the difference. I’ll never take it for granted.”
Mashack’s experience mirrors that of many Tennessee athletes who have been touched by the state’s unique sports culture. The sense of belonging, family, and appreciation that Tennessee fans exude is a significant part of what makes being a Volunteer so special.
The Future of Tennessee Athletics
As Mashack’s chapter with Tennessee basketball comes to a close, his words serve as a reminder of the impact that athletes and fans can have on one another. The Vols’ legacy in basketball, football, and beyond is built not only on athletic excellence but also on a strong, supportive, and enthusiastic fan base that makes the university’s programs feel like a family.
“I’m thankful God brought my family here,” Mashack said, a reminder of how, for him, Tennessee wasn’t just a stop on his basketball journey—it was home. It’s a place that welcomed him, nurtured him, and helped shape him into the person he is today. As he moves forward in his career, Mashack will carry the lessons learned in Knoxville with him, and the love and support from the fans will continue to inspire him, no matter where he goes.
As Tennessee basketball continues to grow and evolve, the program and its fans will remain intertwined, bound together by a shared commitment to excellence, community, and pride. And for Jahmai Mashack, his words will continue to echo long after his time on the court, reminding us all that the heart of Tennessee basketball lies in its people—athletes and fans alike.
The Vols Are Family
Jahmai Mashack’s heartfelt statement about the Tennessee fan base—“There’s no better fan base in the country…Pick a sport, it’s just phenomenal. I’m thankful God brought my family here”—serves as a fitting tribute to a community that is truly one of a kind. His words reflect not only his gratitude for his time at the University of Tennessee but also the powerful bond between athletes and fans that defines the Vols.
As Mashack embarks on the next chapter of his career, his connection to Tennessee and its fans will remain unbroken. The incredible support of the Tennessee fan base has played an integral role in his growth as an athlete and as a person, and it is a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of Volunteers. For Mashack and countless others, Tennessee will always be more than just a school—it will be home.