KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The care package arrived, a big FedEx box stuffed with Grant Williams’ favorite goodies. Because his mother sent it to the Tennessee basketball offices, Williams had no choice but to open it in front of his coach. “What’s in the box?” Rick Barnes asked. Pulling open the top, Williams revealed the bounty inside — a box full of microwave popcorn, a good 60 bags. Knowing he’d never taste the buttery goodness, Williams mournfully surrendered the entire stash to Barnes.



A few days later Williams was finishing yet another long run on the treadmill with a workout still in front of him when Barnes approached from behind. Williams smelled the Volunteers coach and heard him before he even saw him. “Whatcha doing, Grant?” Barnes asked, the intoxicating aroma taunting Williams, as Barnes chomped in his ear. “Want some popcorn?’’



Williams can laugh now. It is two years and 30 pounds later,...