What to know about Tennessee basketball’s transfer portal situation, targets and departures

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Tennessee basketball has seven players and six scholarship openings less than two weeks after the second Elite Eight run in program history.

Forward Jonas Aidoo became the fourth Vol to enter the transfer portal Thursday since the season concluded March 31. He joined forward Tobe Awaka and redshirt freshman guards Freddie Dilione V and D.J. Jefferson.

Here is what to know:

Where does Tennessee basketball go next? Start with Darlinstone Dubar

Tennessee is hosting Hofstra guard Darlinstone Dubar on an official visit this weekend, its first visitor and potential addition from the portal. The 6-foot-8, 211-pound senior averaged 17.8 points and shot 39.9% on 3-pointers last season.

That is the starting place. The Vols now likely need to fortify the interior with its top two big men departing. Expect the Vols to pursue more scoring on the perimeter and another versatile four. Point guard depth would be ideal without a true backup behind senior Zakai Zeigler.

J.P. Estrella is in the spotlight for Tennessee basketball

J.P. Estrella stepped up against Purdue and 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey in the NCAA Tournament when Aidoo struggled mightily. The sophomore showed potential throughout the season then made his last impression the best one.

The Maine native was a highly regarded recruit and the Vols believe he has a bright future. He already was going to jump into a bigger role next season. That is a guarantee now. Cade Phillips also showed potential as a freshman and could contribute double-digit minutes next season.

Could Tobe Awaka come back to Tennessee basketball?

Awaka’s transfer portal choice made sense. He played some of his best basketball in the NCAA Tournament. When he entered the portal Wednesday, the Vols were slated to have Aidoo back as the starting five with Estrella gunning for a bigger role. Awaka wasn’t likely to start with Aidoo returning. He could with Aidoo gone.

But could Awaka return to Tennessee from the portal? The Vols haven’t had a player enter and then come back…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/know-tennessee-basketballs-transfer-portal-183111665.html

Author : Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Publish date : 2024-04-11 18:31:11

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