BREAKING: Tennessee Possible Addition After Landing Three Stars

The college basketball landscape has undergone significant changes this offseason due to the transfer portal, with more adjustments likely to come. While the portal window has closed, revealing the lineup for the 2024-25 season is now within reach.

Tennessee has faced rebuilding challenges after the departures of Dalton Knecht, Santiago Vescovi, and Josiah-Jordan James, notably with Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka entering the portal unexpectedly. This prompted a thorough roster overhaul by Rick Barnes, who swiftly tapped into the portal to recruit forwards Darlinstone Dubar and Igor Milicic, renowned for their three-point shooting. The departure of Aidoo was filled by former Ohio State center Felix Okpara.

Though roster adjustments are ongoing, Tennessee’s lineup is beginning to take form, leading ESPN’s Jeff Borzello to rank them as the 18th best team in the nation.

Despite the loss of key players like Knecht, Barnes’ offensive strategy, emphasizing speed and three-point shooting, offers optimism. With Zakai Zeigler leading as an elite point guard and experienced perimeter players like Jordan Gainey, Jahmai Mashack, and Darlinstone Dubar, alongside additions in the frontcourt with Milicic and Okpara, Tennessee seems poised for success.

In the SEC, Tennessee ranks fifth, trailing behind Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas. This positioning seems conservative given Barnes’ successful track record. The potential addition of North Florida transfer Chaz Lanier, currently exploring options including the NBA G-League camp, could further bolster Tennessee’s standing, given his impressive performance last season.

Borzello’s top 25 rankings feature Kansas at the helm, with Houston, Iowa State, Gonzaga, and Baylor following closely.