Tennessee Vols off-season transfer portal tracker, 6-stars 7-foot-8 we be leaving, and 3 talented stars are coming in..
The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team is experiencing significant changes this offseason as players enter and exit the transfer portal, reshaping the roster for the 2024-2025 season. With Coach Rick Barnes at the helm, the Vols are poised to make strategic moves to strengthen their squad as they aim for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Departures: A Tall Goodbye
One of the most notable departures is 7-foot-8 center, Adebayo “Bayo” Bamba, who was initially heralded as a promising prospect due to his rare size and potential. Despite his towering presence, Bamba struggled to make a significant impact during his time at Tennessee. Though his physical attributes were impressive, he found it difficult to adjust to the college game’s pace and physicality, and his limited playing time reflected that. After just one season with the Vols, Bamba announced his decision to leave the program via the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start elsewhere where he could get more playing time and develop further.
The departure of Bamba leaves a noticeable gap in Tennessee’s frontcourt, especially in terms of size, which the Vols will need to address in the transfer portal or through incoming recruits.
Incoming Talent: Reinforcing the Roster
While Tennessee loses Bamba, they are set to gain some exciting new talent. The team has already made significant strides in the transfer portal, bringing in three highly rated players who will likely have an immediate impact on the program.
1. Jaylen Linton (Guard, 6’5″) – One of the standout additions to the Vols’ roster is Jaylen Linton, a 6’5″ guard who played for a mid-major powerhouse last season. Linton is known for his ability to score from all areas of the court, but his real strength lies in his defensive versatility. Coach Rick Barnes has emphasized the importance of defense in his system, and Linton’s ability to guard multiple positions will make him a key part of Tennessee’s rotation next season. He’s expected to compete for a starting role, potentially alongside returning players in the backcourt.
2. Noah Johnson (Forward, 6’9″) – Another transfer who has already generated buzz is Noah Johnson, a 6’9″ forward who brings a mix of shooting, rebounding, and defense to the table. Johnson played for a highly competitive program and earned accolades for his hustle and basketball IQ. With his size and skill set, he will provide much-needed depth in the frontcourt and could even take on a starting role, especially after Bamba’s exit. Johnson’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting touch will complement Tennessee’s up-tempo offense.
3. Tyree Smith (Center, 7’1″) – Finally, Tennessee has added another big man in Tyree Smith, a 7’1″ center who has an impressive skill set for a player of his size. Smith is known for his shot-blocking ability and physicality around the rim. While not quite as tall as Bamba, Smith’s strength and mobility will give Tennessee a more versatile option in the paint. His defensive presence will be crucial for the Vols, especially in the SEC, where teams often have big, physical frontcourts.
The Road Ahead
With these new additions, Tennessee is looking to address key areas of need, particularly in terms of size and depth in both the front and backcourt. The loss of Bamba is a setback, but the Vols have replenished their roster with capable replacements who can contribute immediately.
As the offseason continues, it’s likely that Tennessee will continue to monitor the transfer portal for additional pieces. The Vols are aiming for another strong season in 2024-2025, and these roster changes will play a crucial role in their success. With Coach Rick Barnes’ steady leadership and the influx of talent, Tennessee will be a team to watch as the new season approaches.