Tennessee Basketball: Latest transfer portal update
After Tennessee’s historic 2024, where they made their second elite 8 in program history, they enter the offseason with much work to do to fill a team that can potentially make another deep run in March.
The Volunteers had eight players average over 10 minutes this season, with starters Dalton Knecht, Santiago Vescovi, and Josiah Jordan-James without any more eligibility. They have some serious shoes to fill. Going into the offseason, the staff knew they would have to get some work done in the transfer portal. Soon after the portal opened, the volunteers lost former 4-star guard Sophomore Freddie Dillione V, who many thought would have a more prominent role on the 2023-2024 squad but took a backseat. A few days later, guard DJ Jefferson also entered his name into the portal; Jefferson played in one game for the Volunteers this past season.
Two guards entering their names into the portal was no shocker, as Tennessee currently has most of their guards returning with high expectations from Freshman Cameron Carr. The big surprises started when Sophomore forward Tobe Awaka entered his name in the portal. Awaka had a great March, giving the team life when needed. Awaka also averaged 13.1 Minutes off the bench this season. The biggest shocker, however, was that Senior big man and All-SEC first-teamer Jonas Aidoo entered his name into the portal. The big man averaged 25 minutes for the volunteers this season, averaging 11.4 points and 7.4 rebounds along the way. With the loss of Aidoo, Tennessee will have lost 4 of its 5 starters from this past season.
Although Tennessee is losing big names to the NBA and the portal, hope remains. Superstar point guard and fan favorite Zakai Ziegler will be returning for his Senior season. Other returners include guards Jordan Gainey and Jahmai Mashack, who had prominent roles on this year’s elite eight team. The Volunteers also look for a big step from a few Freshmen in Cade Phillips, J.P. Estrella, and Cameron Carr; all showed flashes throughout the 2023-2024 season.
With so much to do this offseason, Tennessee looks to target a few guys to help the team make another run. Tennessee got some work done last year in the portal, bringing in Naismith player of the year finalist and SEC player of the year, as well as the sharp shooting Jordan Gainey; here are a few targets Tennessee is in on.
Cade Tyson
The Sophomore, 6’7, 205 lb. guard/forward from North Carolina entered his name into the portal this offseason after a season in which he averaged 16.2 points and 5.9 rebounds for the Belmont Bruins. The sharpshooter shot 49.3% from the field and 46.5% from three. Tennessee looks like an elite shooter, especially with the volunteer leading scorer, Dalton Knecht, heading to the NBA.
Darlinstone Dubar
Junior 6’8, 211 lb. guard/forward Dubar out of Hofstra is looking to go to the next level after a breakout season last year for the Pride, averaging 17.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. The lengthy kid from North Carolina also shot well from the field at 53.9% and nearly 40% from three. Dubar, a similar player to Tyson, would also suit this team well, bringing length, strength, and speed to an already talented Tennessee roster.
Roddy Gayle Jr.
The Volunteers are also in for the 6’4 210 lb. guard out of Ohio State, who was the Buckeyes starter in 2023, and he had a solid year averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Gayle would be a solid addition to a roster that needs another primary ball handler after the loss of Vescovi. Gayle would make this team even more profound for the 2024-2025 season.
Trey Townsend
Tennessee has also reached out to the 6’6 forward Trey Townsend out of Oakland. The spotlight was taken from him this offseason as Jack Gohlke went nuclear, cementing himself in March history. Townsend is no slouch, as he averaged 17.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals, all of which led the Golden Grizzlies in 2024. The superstar Townsend would be a fantastic addition to this roster for next season.
The Volunteers are in the hunt, and I'm sure those returning are hungry, as they just came so close to a Final Four run. Rick Barnes and crew will return next season, and with the potential out of the portal, they may finally break into the program's first-ever Final Four in 2025.