2026 Vols Transfer Portal Thread

[bleedingTNorange]

You clearly don’t understand how bad Lundblade is defensively. You know Boswell is getting paid more next season right?

Maryland overpaying is what dictates who’s better, boy do I have some news for you. You’ve made your stance on Lundblade apparent, if he’s a statue as you say he’ll never see the court for Barnes, strange it was the very first player Barnes wanted, but we’ll see how it turns out I guess.

 

[Tall_Vol]

The Wednesday Basilio Blog:

Well We Made It!
As you read this the portal has closed and we're going to see what, if any goodies await Tennessee as they try to put the finishing touches on a portal haul/signing class that could be all time great by the time this comes to fruition. If UT fails to add a front line PG, they've still done very well, and with Juke Harris (who they think they're getting after he flirts with the NBA), this team should be poised to compete at the top of college basketball next season. We've documented the portal every step of the way and will continue to do so. Please understand that UT has been very tight-lipped on whom they were attempting to pull into the portal in the 11th hour last night. As you read this perhaps some names have emerged. Or maybe not. Rest assured we'll do our best to dig what's there.

As for the PG1 target ... I'll make doubly sure he didn't hit the portal late last night and then reveal who we've been chasing today on the air ... If he's in, I'm probably going to shut up for fear we could get in the way. Don't want to do that to Barnes & Co after they've put in this hard work. As I've written and said ad nauseam, much respect is due to Barnes and staff for amassing an impressive haul. Kentucky is proving that succeeding at putting a quality team together isn't just about spending money. The Mid-Cats can't find enough quality players to even take their money. Kentucky basketball fans are both envious and obsessed with what UT is doing in hoops and I find it comical. Bring it on ...

 

[Skooter]

I don’t know where the stuff about Ament being a good defender comes from. Probably some stat guy somewhere that ran numbers and never watched him play. Like many freshman coming straight from aau, he wasn’t good. Too light to guard post players and too off balance and not enough lateral quickness to guard 1-3. Brown was a better defender inside and on the perimeter. Perfect defensive stance and balance. Teams went at Ament for a reason and tried to get switches.

 

[Namorto1]

Nate averaged 16.7ppg on 45.2%efg, Ames averaged 16.9ppg on 52.7%efg…I don’t think it’s a crazy take.

Ames was more efficient and consistent than Ament offensively, no doubt about it. If we get Juke, I think Ames will be our 3rd guard/6th man and will have a green light off the bench. Scoring from this bunch won’t be a problem.

 

[Volpatine]

The Wednesday Basilio Blog:

Well We Made It!
As you read this the portal has closed and we're going to see what, if any goodies await Tennessee as they try to put the finishing touches on a portal haul/signing class that could be all time great by the time this comes to fruition. If UT fails to add a front line PG, they've still done very well, and with Juke Harris (who they think they're getting after he flirts with the NBA), this team should be poised to compete at the top of college basketball next season. We've documented the portal every step of the way and will continue to do so. Please understand that UT has been very tight-lipped on whom they were attempting to pull into the portal in the 11th hour last night. As you read this perhaps some names have emerged. Or maybe not. Rest assured we'll do our best to dig what's there.

As for the PG1 target ... I'll make doubly sure he didn't hit the portal late last night and then reveal who we've been chasing today on the air ... If he's in, I'm probably going to shut up for fear we could get in the way. Don't want to do that to Barnes & Co after they've put in this hard work. As I've written and said ad nauseam, much respect is due to Barnes and staff for amassing an impressive haul. Kentucky is proving that succeeding at putting a quality team together isn't just about spending money. The Mid-Cats can't find enough quality players to even take their money. Kentucky basketball fans are both envious and obsessed with what UT is doing in hoops and I find it comical. Bring it on ...

I’ve somewhat felt bad for the dude with all the crap he takes on here, but man it’s time to give the TT bit up. We’ve run that into the ground, sadly.

 

[Legion of Doom]

Not to mention we're still going to see names added until Thursday.

Niko Bundalo just entered, 6'10" 215lbs FR from Ole Miss former top 50 overall in his class
Sheek Pearson from Marquette 6'11" 205lbs redshirted so still has 4 years left top 25 PF in his class

Portal has over 800 players uncommitted...I think we'll find some solid additions still.

Totally agree

 

[berryvol]

You clearly don’t understand how bad Lundblade is defensively. You know Boswell is getting paid more next season right?

I know you’re big on the Lundblade can’t defend wagon, and I won’t fight you on that, but I think you may be overrating Boswell’s defense - I know many on here did all season. Not putting words in your mouth, but tons of people on here were likening him to Shack and some other great Barnes-era defenders here when he’s never been close to that level. As a matter of fact, he was downright dreadful against good ball handlers most of the season, especially down the stretch in conference play - even acknowledging that he got the toughest guard assignment most nights. All that said, in the case of Boswell, I’d happily trade his defense for an elite 3 point threat.

 

[TennesseeFan07]

My dream scenario is Payne, Juke and a solid big man add…call it a day. I unfortunately don’t think that’s the route they’ll go, but I would love it if they did.

I'm personally not sold on Rubin to hold up physically against high major competition, but at this point I would assume it is cheaper to obtain an above average guard as opposed to a so-so center? I would enjoy a season of a plethora of guys that can create their own shots. I would have been sold on keeping Burg and overspending on a decent big, honestly.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

I'm surprised a bit there isn't interest in Jason Asemota from BC...6'8" 205lbs SF hasn't gotten a ton of minutes, but former top 75 HS player his production per minute was solid at BC. 7.7mpg and had 3.1ppg and 2.1rpg shooting 41% FG and 38% 3PT seems like a high level defensive guy based on his defensive rating in his 2 seasons...might be an upgraded Cade Phillips type body.

 

[Namorto1]

I’m not ignoring those guys

Juke for Ament
Hill for Gillespie

Currently Rubin for Okpara is the only one that seems to be a down grade, but when you consider Lundblade and Ames you have a net gain overall.

Plus that’s not even considering if Ament returns.

Get Juke and wrap up 1-2 competent bigs and this roster will be an unquestioned upgrade in my opinion. The Elite 8 run this year was a great accomplishment especially as a 6th seed, but for most of the year they were a frustrating bunch.

 

[Legion of Doom]

My dream scenario is Payne, Juke and a solid big man add…call it a day. I unfortunately don’t think that’s the route they’ll go, but I would love it if they did.

Yes and very possible.

 

[volsarelife1]

I see what you are saying on Ames vs Ament but I think you are forgetting defense and rebounding. Ament’s value in those two areas compared to Ames would outweigh Ames slight edge in shooting efficiency imo.

Also, Gillispie is a much better defender than Hill. That position will be a downgrade imo. Same with Lanblade vs Boswell. I would honestly take Boswell straight up over Lundblade right now.

We clearly don’t see eye to eye on the value of defense and rebounding.

I think as of right now last years roster was better than our current one. Granted if we land Juke that changes, but even then I don’t think we would good enough defensively and on the boards to get to the final 4.

Top 10 team yes, but imo we would need Juke AND either Ament or TT to have a final 4 caliber roster.

I'm starting to think that Lundblade stole your girl from you

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Yes and very possible.

Great, it’s definitely not happening now.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I'm personally not sold on Rubin to hold up physically against high major competition, but at this point I would assume it is cheaper to obtain an above average guard as opposed to a so-so center? I would enjoy a season of a plethora of guys that can create their own shots. I would have been sold on keeping Burg and overspending on a decent big, honestly.

I think they’ll get a so-so center added

 

[CamVol8]

I know you’re big on the Lundblade can’t defend wagon, and I won’t fight you on that, but I think you may be overrating Boswell’s defense - I know many on here did all season. Not putting words in your mouth, but tons of people on here were likening him to Shack and some other great Barnes-era defenders here when he’s never been close to that level. As a matter of fact, he was downright dreadful against good ball handlers most of the season, especially down the stretch in conference play - even acknowledging that he got the toughest guard assignment most nights. All that said, in the case of Boswell, I’d happily trade his defense for an elite 3 point threat.

Exactly. He was never even good defensively IMO. You could make a case he was solid for sure but I lost track of how many times he got blown by. The missouri game where Barrett went unconscious, Boswell was getting destroyed nearly every time.

 

[VolsNetClippers2025]

Shame Tanner didn't enter, he is a true game changer, but I love the look of the team if we can get Juke in + add one more big. I think obviously being able to defend is a must, but if they can find someone with any touch/offensive game, that would go a long way. Brown has it, not sure if staff will play him at the 4 or 5 more. He has an insane wingspan and I think his offense is/can be really good + good on the defensive end too. Wouldn't mind if the other backup big we bring in is a versatile type, but can also understand just getting another shot blocker/traditional big man and letting Brown play the 4.

Hill / Henderson / Clark / Paull
Lundblade / Ames / Green
Harris / Scott / Duncan
Haralson / Brown / Washington Jr.
Rubin / Portal C

Great 8 man rotation, if Henderson/Scott/Washington give you anything it's a bonus, it's a very balanced team that can actually score with the best of them. If Barnes coaches up the defense, watch out.

TLDR: Juke and a big for natty, thanks.

 

[StPeteVFL]

Maryland overpaying is what dictates who’s better, boy do I have some news for you. You’ve made your stance on Lundblade apparent, if he’s a statue as you say he’ll never see the court for Barnes, strange it was the very first player Barnes wanted, but we’ll see how it turns out I guess.

I didn’t say that. Just saying it’s not an outlandish take based on that fact alone. Which you made it out to be in saying you aren’t even taking me seriously because of it.

We will see on Lundblade. My bold prediction on him is that he starts the year at about 15-20 mpg off the bench and lights it up in the early part of the schedule, but by the time we get to the sweet 16 his role will be diminished to 5 mpg or less due to being too much of a liability defensively against elite competition. Hope I’m wrong.

 

[VolsNetClippers2025]

My dream scenario is Payne, Juke and a solid big man add…call it a day. I unfortunately don’t think that’s the route they’ll go, but I would love it if they did.

Is Payne just BC connection? Or any reported links to us?

I think if Henderson is healthy you probably don't need him, but I wouldn't mind if this is the trio.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Is Payne just BC connection? Or any reported links to us?

I think if Henderson is healthy you probably don't need him, but I wouldn't mind if this is the trio.

BC connection

As for Henderson, I’m not sure we see him this year

 

[MoCo_Vol]

I know you’re big on the Lundblade can’t defend wagon, and I won’t fight you on that, but I think you may be overrating Boswell’s defense - I know many on here did all season. Not putting words in your mouth, but tons of people on here were likening him to Shack and some other great Barnes-era defenders here when he’s never been close to that level. As a matter of fact, he was downright dreadful against good ball handlers most of the season, especially down the stretch in conference play - even acknowledging that he got the toughest guard assignment most nights. All that said, in the case of Boswell, I’d happily trade his defense for an elite 3 point threat.

Yep agreed...we also had some games where he got absolutely punked.

vs OU
at Missouri
vs Bama
vs Auburn SECT
vs Vandy SECT

Lots of matchups where the guy he was really the defender on just went off.

 

[hotcypress]

The portal is now closed.

 

[VolsNetClippers2025]

BC connection

As for Henderson, I’m not sure we see him this year

Then getting another guard as insurance is pretty important, I agree.

 

[Local Yokel]

Should have paid Estrella.

 

[Bigorangefan 98]

We need a big rim protector , I would love hs okpara back .

 

[i2amavol]

I'm starting to think that Lundblade stole your girl from you

You may be right, but I get the feeling that he focuses almost entirely on defense. I'm not saying he is totally wrong on his takes, but I think/hope it is a bit overblown.