2026 Vols Transfer Portal Thread

[BruisedOrange]

Estrella, Brown & Cade seem like a tier of their own the staff wants back

Then you’ve got Evans and Boswell pairing that I think the staff would love to have both but also realizes 1 leaving probably is best, as you mention I think they prioritize Evans

Then you’ve got Carey, Massamba, Burg and Henderson…I don’t expect all 4 to depart, and depending on what happens with those first 3 maybe all 4 are back, who knows, but I think this grouping here sees at least 2 departures. Outside of those first 3 guys money will be a huge component, you know you need a few departures to make room and have a roster to build, the more money available the better, so who’s willing to stay at what price will be a huge factor obviously.

I wonder if developments in the modern game (which IMHO are mostly due to how the game is being called and not called) have led Barnes to re-evaluate the overall value of having a Mashack/Boswell shut-down defender? I'm sure the relevant stats exist to make the case, one way or the other.

Personally, I love watching great defense. Offense is exciting in-the-moment, but can be relatively boring over the course of a game (note NBA). Defense, though, is an unfolding story... a chess match of moves and counter-moves... where grit and the human spirit find their expression within the game.

 

[Jean-Claude van Manning]

I would be really surprised if those 4 all left. I'd be shocked if more than 1 did, honestly.

 

[barney]

I think we will keep 1 and let the other 3 walk. There are some good bigs in the portal who might be as productive as JP offensively and better defense and maybe more affordable.

 

[Volpatine]

This same poster popped on the boards days ago, quoted Tony Basilio and then asked questions searching for intel, now all of a sudden he’s the biggest insider on the board. Where have I seen this movie before? Oh yea, last offseason at the exact same time with Todd Kirk.

I never claimed to be the biggest insider. I’m just a fan like everyone else. But I have a guy who has some ins with the program and does get tidbits from time to time. He’s yet to be wrong. No one said you have to mock me or believe me

 

[kong]

Anyone here have trilly’s discord? Someone should check and see if he mentioned Lundblade committing yesterday so we can nip this insider/imposter thing in the bud early

 

[MoCo_Vol]

I strongly disagree with #1. Boswell has a nice stroke and shoots it with confidence when open. Burg has a kinda goofy shot.

44.3% FG vs 42.7% FG
40.5% 3PT vs 38.5% 3PT
50% 2PT vs 46.8% 2PT
81.8% FT vs 66.7% FT

Burg statistically is better in every single category shooting wise. I like Bishop a lot, but his last 5 games (28% FG on 25 attempts, 33.3% 3PT) tell the story with him unfortunately just too inconsistent to be a starting SG in the SEC. Despite all his "wtf" moments Burg also ended the season with 30 less turnovers than Bishop & Bishop lead the team in fouls. I think Burg is a more versatile piece that has more upside at this point. They've got 62 games with Bishop and 2 full years of practice...whatever they think he's worth is probably pretty dead on.

 

[cncchris33]

I assume you are referring to Hubbard. Kentucky fans are convinced they are getting him.

I like Hubbard, but I question how effective he'd be in a system that required him be less improvising and more structured. A lot of what he does (and does well) I compare to street ball. In other words, just go make a play. Lots of ill-advised shots and taking his man on 1v1. Not sure Barnes wants his offense to be run like that.

 

[cncchris33]

I strongly disagree with #1. Boswell has a nice stroke and shoots it with confidence when open. Burg has a kinda goofy shot.

I won't strongly hold my position on the matter because it really is all theoretical at this point. Boswell shot 78 3s and Burg shot about half as many at a slightly higher %age. Not really a large enough sample size to draw a convincing conclusion. As for form (Burg's goofy shot, which I agree with, btw), form doesn't necessarily equate to poor performance if it is a repeatable motion.

 

[D3Athlete]

Anyone here have trilly’s discord? Someone should check and see if he mentioned Lundblade committing yesterday so we can nip this insider/imposter thing in the bud early

I do and Trilly said it was really close to being done not long before Lundblade announced

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I do and Trilly said it was really close to being done not long before Lundblade announced

Well is Trilly also saying JP, Evans, Boswell & Cade are gone?

 

[VolFan_stuck_in_the_901]

Yeah, I heard Price say that on the podcast and was like, “that’s not how any of this works.”

He needs to stick to football/FB recruiting

 

[JRVOL11]

I really think it would be a mistake letting Evans go. Really think he would be better one of the best players in the Barnes era. Feel like he could be like otega oweh by year 3-4

 

[StepCross]

Gainey will likely make Boswell a priority. He would be such a good piece to start a rebuild with: guaranteed work ethic, character, maturity. Pre-existing relationship with the coach. Knows the system and terminology. Guaranteed balls-to-the-wall defense every day, and can guard about anyone. Can hit open threes and can finish at the rim.

Gainey will offer him more money and a bigger role because he would be really valuable there. Tennessee will likely offer him less money and fewer shots, but the chance to stay on a likely really good team.

The other names mentioned would also be valuable to gainey, for similar reasons. They’ll have a choice to make: start for gainey and be part of a rebuild, or come off the bench for Tennessee and be part of a very good team.

I think it’s a fair and difficult choice and I don’t think there’s bad blood on any side.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I wonder if developments in the modern game (which IMHO are mostly due to how the game is being called and not called) have led Barnes to re-evaluate the overall value of having a Mashack/Boswell shut-down defender? I'm sure the relevant stats exist to make the case, one way or the other.

Personally, I love watching great defense. Offense is exciting in-the-moment, but can be relatively boring over the course of a game (note NBA). Defense, though, is an unfolding story... a chess match of moves and counter-moves... where grit and the human spirit find their expression within the game.

Need both. Can't win if you don't score, but you don't have to score as much if you keep them from scoring a bunch. Best to be strong on both sides of the ball.

 

[D3Athlete]

Well is Trilly also saying JP, Evans, Boswell & Cade are gone?

No lol. That dude is lying

 

[Stoked]

Anyone here have trilly’s discord? Someone should check and see if he mentioned Lundblade committing yesterday so we can nip this insider/imposter thing in the bud early

I mean the Lundblade smoke was huge so it's not really a massive call to make that he would commit right after his visit.

 

[CamVol8]

No lol. That dude is lying

Is there any other updates in the discord? Whether it be our current roster or targets?

 

[walkenvol]

Hubbard is a Mississippi guy through and through, as long as he remains their highest paid player I really doubt he leaves.

His family can see him play every home game easily (grew up less than 125 miles from campus), he has a coach that trust him fully and lets him play a ton of minutes and take any shot he wants to. Other than wanting a March run there's zero reason for him to leave.

How about playing for a coach who can improve his point guard skills as a reason? If he thinks he has a shot at the NBA then it’s obviously as a PG. Jans allows him to play a style that won’t work for a 6’ or less athlete. Wherever he plays next season I hope they try to develop him as a PG as he seems like a high character young man.

 

[VolGee4]

He actually turned into a good player. Most of the guys who leave us seem to have a lot of success. Idk if that's a testament to Barnes eye for talent or an indictment.

Not very explosive from what I saw of him. When that is the case, you have to rely on your shooting, and he shot 31.8% from 3 this year, which was his best year. Someone has to score on a bad team.

 

[VolGee4]

Hubbard wouldn't work with Barnes. A ball dominant, high volume shooter. I can't see that working at Tennessee. Plus, he is probably getting a fat check to do that in Starkville or he would have transferred by now.

I think he is getting paid well. But he has to be high volume on that team. I think he would be fine on a team where he gets better looks because of the players around him. Imagine him coming off screens or getting looks off post touches in our offense. If Boswell got the looks he did late in the year, Hubbard would excel in that role.

 

[D3Athlete]

Is there any other updates in the discord? Whether it be our current roster or targets?

Not much difference from what bto and SF bring and the info in that discord

 

[VolGee4]

People on this board seriously underestimate the potential that Estrella has. I believe with his health issues, he has played fewer minutes combined in the three years here than Nate Ament did this season.

He’s still learning and his per 40 minute averages are eye popping if he can just stay healthy. He would be a massive loss. It’s not easy to find a guy with his height and offensive talent. If we want a 4/5 that can stretch the floor, which people have repeatedly asked for, him taking that next step is a better bet than trying to find someone in the portal.

100% agree. People talk about missed shots, but he is definitely skilled offensively.

 

[walkenvol]

Here's the thing...Dowd is better than Cade at everything

Bigger by 15 or so pounds, more experience, more offensive game, rebounding is better (even as a true freshmen his lowest season is nearly +2 over Cade's best) same number of blocks, shoots far better outside


With JP I figure it's a constant "what am I paying for?" I'd say...he's entering year 4 and because of his HS ranking and size we've been keeping him paid well every year, stuck with him even after season ending injury and then another year where he missed time but he's coming to the table with an increasing price. We shall see...I don't like seeing us lose guys that made it through the first 2 years, because usually Junior/Senior season is when all the development from Barnes really shines.

There’s no real way to know if Dowd is better than CP at anything as you’re looking at someone playing at Troy vs us. Cade is definitely longer and a better shot blocker without looking at any stats. If you watched Dowd’s highlights, he can’t play above the rim like CP. Also, CP has the quickness and speed to switch onto guards on the perimeter that Barnes values highly. I know the portal is like Christmas to many, but you don’t just kick a guy to the curb in his 4th year in the program who is high character and has done everything asked unless you want to completely kill your team culture. JMO

 

[Yeiser10]

There’s no real way to know if Dowd is better than CP at anything as you’re looking at someone playing at Troy vs us. Cade is definitely longer and a better shot blocker without looking at any stats. If you watched Dowd’s highlights, he can play above the rim like CP. Also, CP has the quickness and speed to switch onto guards on the perimeter that Barnes values highly. I know the portal is like Christmas to many, but you don’t just kick a guy to the curb in his 4th year in the program who is high character and has done everything asked unless you want to completely kill your team culture. JMO

Don’t see Cade going anywhere. He had surgery for the sole reason of being ready for this year. Barnes loves him. I feel as if he’s locked into the squad

 

[walkenvol]

I think we will keep 1 and let the other 3 walk. There are some good bigs in the portal who might be as productive as JP offensively and better defense and maybe more affordable.

Do you have some specific names of 6’-11” who are better?