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Inside Igor Milicic Jr’s 18-rebound game for No. 1 Tennessee basketball vs Arkansas

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Inside Igor Milicic Jr’s 18-rebound game for No. 1 Tennessee basketball vs Arkansas


John Calipari’s first observation about this Tennessee basketball team compared to last year’s is the Vols are a year older.

The second was about “the transfer in.”

The Arkansas coach was talking about Igor Milicic Jr., which was readily apparent as Calipari detailed what that unnamed transfer did Saturday. He stretches the floor for Tennessee. He helps the Vols.

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He had double-digit rebounds, the key facet of Calipari’s description as Milicic had the best rebounding performance by a player in coach Rick Barnes’ decade at Tennessee.

“Igor was spectacular,” Barnes said.

Milicic grabbed 18 rebounds with six offensive boards and 13 points as No. 1 Tennessee (14-0, 1-0 SEC) pounded Arkansas (11-3, 0-1) on Saturday at Food City Center. It was his career best and the best by a Vol under Barnes.

Igor Milicic explains his 18 rebounds for Tennessee vs Arkansas

Milicic provided a simplified explanation for his rebounding success. His teammates block out and clear the way for him.

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“I just need to go jump and get it,” Milicic said. “It’s not that hard, honestly.”

Milicic made it look that easy against Arkansas. The 6-foot-10 forward had nine rebounds before halftime, notched his 10th rebound 33 seconds into the second half, and kept going. 

The Charlotte transfer is the fourth Vol in the past 20 years to have at least 18 rebounds in a game. 

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Milicic preached consistency as a key to being a good rebounder. You have to keep crashing the boards even when you are tired. You have to accept contact.

Barnes credited Milicic for his anticipation skills, quickness and good hands. He added more credit to his effort. He got that overall against Arkansas as Tennessee outrebounded Arkansas 51-29 with 24 offensive rebounds.

Milicic was the tone-setter because he makes it a priority, guard Zakai Zeigler said.

“Even if he is not shooting the ball well, I can count on him to go get 10 rebounds or go get five O-boards,” Zeigler said. “It is just really impressive he does it day in and day out.”

Why rebounding is fun to Igor Milicic Jr.

Tennessee knew Milicic was a good rebounder coming from Charlotte, where he averaged 8.5 rebounds last season.

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His offensive rebounding has impressed. The Vols play faster than Charlotte, which means more rebounding opportunities. They also put more of an emphasis on offensive rebounding than Charlotte, which Milicic has enjoyed. 

“It just another opportunity to score,” Milicic said. “It is all of us. We get extra opportunities to score and it shows with the shooting that we have here. It is really fun — and of course sometimes you get a putback, right?”

Milicic is averaging 8.9 rebounds after his 18-rebound game. The only other Vol to average that many in a season in the past 20 years is Jarnell Stokes, who had 9.6 per game in 2012-13 and 10.6 in 2013-14.

The Croatian has three straight games with at least 10 rebounds. He has double-digit rebounds in four of the past five games and six of the past eight. He had nine in one of those games.

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He rocketed past those impressive games with his best one yet Saturday. That prompted Calipari’s attention and an understatement when he stated Milicic is “pretty good.”

A more fitting description is the compliment that followed: Milicic is doing what Calipari wishes his players would do. He’s an all-out rebounder and he’s one of the best at it.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.





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Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press

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Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press


COMEDY

‘The Muslims are Coming’

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St.

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Cost: $23 for general admission

More info: Showcase of Muslim (and non-Muslim) comedians.

thecomedycatch.com

FILM

‘Toy Story 5’

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When: 6:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday

Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Latest installment in the long-running Pixar franchise about the lives of childhood toys.

tnaqua.org/imax

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Bobby Stone Film Series

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.

Cost: $13.50 for general admission

More info: Screenings include: “Resurrection” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, “Rear Window” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and “The Sparks Brothers” at 4 p.m. Sunday.

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tivolichattanooga.com

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‘Supergirl’

When: 5 and 7:15 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.

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Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Summer blockbuster about Superman’s cousin, Supergirl.

tnaqua.org/imax

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Movie night

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When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Chester Frost Park, 7872 Causeway Road

Cost: Free

More info: Hamilton County Parks and Recreation hosts a free movie night screening of “Finding Nemo.” Includes games, vendors and more.

facebook.com

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MUSIC

Ramsey & Broemel

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $30 in advance

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More info: Musicians Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel from Of My Morning Jacket performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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Fielder

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

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Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.

Cost: $13 for general admission

More info: Nashville-based duo Fielder performs.

thewoodshoplisteningroom.com

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Chris Knight

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $30 in advance

More info: Kentucky native Chris Knight performs.

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venue.songbirds.org

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Barkley Cove

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.

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Cost: $10 for general admission

More info: Folk ensemble Barkley Cove performs.

thewoodshoplisteningroom.com

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Nightfall

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When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Miller Plaza, 850 Market St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Free summer concert series Nightfall continues, with The 42 as opener and Zach Person as headliner. Also features food trucks and market vendors.

nightfallchattanooga.com

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Chelsea Drugstore

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $15 in advance

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More info: Chelsea Drugstore, a tribute to the Rolling Stones, performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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R&B vs. Hip Hop

When: 8 p.m. Friday

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Where: Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of show

More info: DJ experience, pitting R&B against Hip Hop.

barrelhouseballroom.com

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Struggle Jennings

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.

Cost: $24.50 for general admission

More info: Grandson of Waylon Jennings, Struggle Jennings, performs.

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thesignaltn.com

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KPop Demon Hunters

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.

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Cost: $25 for general admission

More info: Family friendly DJ experience, featuring the music of the hit Netflix animated film.

thesignaltn.com

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Riverfront Nights

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When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Ross’s Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway

Cost: Free

More info: Free summer concert series Riverfront Nights continues for the 2026 season. Sloppy Street Tacos opens, and Jump, a tribute to Van Halen, headlines.

riverfrontnights.com

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Paul McDonald

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $20 in advance

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More info: Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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Amy Grant

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

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Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.

Cost: $61+

More info: Singer-songwriter Amy Grant performs.

tivolichattanooga.com

OUT & ABOUT

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Nooga Splash

When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Chester Frost Park, 2389 Gold Point Circle N.

Cost: $14+

More info: Floating water park Nooga Splash continues for the summer season. Main season operating hours continue through Aug. 4.

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noogasplash.com

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Family Potluck

When: 4-9 p.m. Monday

Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.

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Cost: Free

More info: Post Nuclear Family Potluck, an all-ages chosen family potluck. Features games, dinner and a movie.

barkinglegs.org

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Battle of Badges

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When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday

Where: Walker County Sheriff’s Office, 105 S. Duke St., LaFayette

Cost: Free

More info: Walker and Catoosa county Sheriff’s Offices host a blood donation drive.

donor.bloodassurance.org

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Farmers market

When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St.

Cost: Free admission

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More info: Farmer and farmer-adjacent vendors at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

facebook.com

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River market

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

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Where: Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, 1 Broad St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Chattanooga River Market continues, featuring various vendors. Market open Saturdays only from April-October.

chattanoogamarket.com

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Staff file photo / Jan Fowler, left, and Curtis Fowler shop items at the Chickamauga Art and Folk Festival on Aug. 16, 2025. This year, the festival, now called Chickapalooza, is set for 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday around the Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga.

Chickapalooza

When: 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday

Where: Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga

Cost: Free admission

More info: Chickapalooza Art and Music Festival, featuring a lineup of live music, artists, food and more.

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facebook.com

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Staff file photo / From Point Park atop Lookout Mountain, a viewer can see the Tennessee River curve around Moccasin Bend on May 21, 2025. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a program set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., focusing on the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.
Staff file photo / From Point Park atop Lookout Mountain, a viewer can see the Tennessee River curve around Moccasin Bend on May 21, 2025. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a program set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., focusing on the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.

History program

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.

Cost: $10 park entrance fee

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More info: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park hosts program about the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.

nps.gov/chch

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Radio Field Day

When: 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

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Where: Chattanooga Valley Lions Club, 265 South Ave., Flintstone

Cost: Free

More info: Tri-States Amateur Radio Club hosts an amateur radio field day, showcasing how the technology works.

ag4dw@arrl.org

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Summerween

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Patten Square, 818 Georgia Ave.

Cost: Free

More info: Celebrate Halloween in the Summer at Summerween, featuring costume contests, a watermelon-carving contest, live music and more.

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rivercitycompany.com

SPORTS

Lady Red Wolves

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: CHI Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Way

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Cost: $10+

More info: Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves take on the Southern Soccer Academy.

chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com

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Lookouts

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When: 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: Erlanger Park, 2658 Pipe Way

Cost: $7+

More info: Chattanooga Lookouts take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Promotions include: World Soccer Night and Las Montanas de Chattanooga on Tuesday, a blanket giveaway on Wednesday, a cell phone bag giveaway, drink specials and Never Text and Drive Night on Thursday, Unum Night and fireworks on Friday, Dino Weekend and a pre-game concert on Saturday and Dino Weekend and a canned food drive on Sunday.

mlb.com/milb/chattanooga

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Football Club

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.

Cost: $8+

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More info: Chattanooga Football Club takes on the Chicago Fire Football Club.

chattanoogafc.com

THEATER & ARTS

Dungeons and Drag-ons

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

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Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Dungeons and Dragons-inspired drag showcase for ages 13 and older.

barkinglegs.org

______

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Have an upcoming event? Email calendar@timesfreepress.com to be considered for one of our listings or go to timesfreepress.com/calendar for immediate posting online.



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Tennessee baseball adds pitcher Ricky Ojeda, UC Irvine transfer

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Tennessee baseball adds pitcher Ricky Ojeda, UC Irvine transfer


Tennessee baseball received a commitment from UC Irvine pitcher Ricky Ojeda on June 19.

Ojeda, who is eligible for the MLB draft in July, announced his decision on social media. He visited Tennessee on June 15-16.

The lefthanded Ojeda had a strong 2026 season primarily as a reliever, posting a 3.77 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 20 walks in 62 innings. In 2025, he became the first reliever to be named Big West Pitcher of the Year after going 13-1 with a 3.55 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 66 innings, which also earned him a third-team all-American nod from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game.

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Whether Ojeda makes it to Tennessee remains an open question. Perfect Game ranked him as the No. 179 prospect for the draft. That would place him in the sixth round.

Should Ojeda join the staff, however, he would instantly become one of the team’s top options out of a bullpen that struggled immensely in 2026. The pitching staff is also under new leadership under pitching coach Austin Knight, who was hired from ECU.

Ojeda is the fourth player to announce they will transfer to Tennessee this offseason, joining two-way Mercer transfer Braydon Kersey, Northwestern State pitcher Brody Trosclair and Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian.

Who’s leaving Tennessee baseball

  • UTL Jay Abernathy (Oklahoma)
  • RHP Nic Abraham
  • INF Ariel Antigua (Arizona)
  • INF Finley Bates
  • RHP Ari Bethea
  • OF Hutson Chance
  • RHP Sawyer Deering (San Diego State)
  • OF Nate Eisfelder
  • 1B Evan Hankins (Virginia Tech)
  • UTL Hunter High
  • RHP Brayden Krenzel (Arkansas)
  • INF Manny Marin
  • INF Ethan Moore (Missouri)
  • UTL Chris Newstrom
  • LHP Taylor Tracey
  • C Cash Williams (West Virginia)

Who’s joining Tennessee baseball

  • RHP/DH Braydon Kersey
  • LHP Brody Trosclair
  • INF Wyatt Hanoian
  • LHP Ricky Ojeda

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_



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Shooting Hunger event aims to prevent childhood hunger in West Tennessee

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Shooting Hunger event aims to prevent childhood hunger in West Tennessee


JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) – An exciting day of sporting clays in West Tennessee is doubling as a major fight against hunger.

Today’s “Shooting Hunger” event took place at the Carroll County Shooting Sports Park in Huntingdon. It’s a partnership between Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Farmers Co-Op, Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural First.

Shooting Hunger at Carroll County Shooting Sports Park(Gray News)

Since 2015, Shooting Hunger has helped provide more than three million meals to Tennesseans with money going to food banks, backpack programs, and local hunger relief. A $500 scholarship will also go to the top youth shooter in each flight.

“We’re joining together to raise money for school backpacks to feed hungry kids. We do these, we actually do three of these across the state of Tennessee so at the end of the day we take, we take all the money we put it into a pile and when we divide equally amongst all 95 counties across the state of Tennessee,“ said Bryan Wright, executive vice president for the Tennessee Farm Bureau.

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Organizers say events like this matter because one in six children in Tennessee struggle with hunger.

Copyright 2026 WBBJ. All rights reserved.



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