2025 Transfer Portal Thread

[AurantiacoFan]

@AdamZagoria

Just talked to a high-major asst coach at the Final Four who said schools are not only including bonuses in NIL payments but also fines that can be attached to a player's NIL $$ for a one-game suspension or other infractions

 

[SGMVols]

Honor Huff from UTC in the portal. Would be a great scorer off the bench.

He’s too small to play anything other than point and I don’t think he’s going to be interested in being a backup to Gillespie. I don’t think we will be a factor here.

 

[CAVol]

Let’s make a run at Honor Huff from Chattanooga.

 

[Smokey 77]

CRB has a history at Tennessee of recruiting players that fit the culture that they have in the UT men's basketball program right now. Chemistry is everything. The chemistry that UT had this past season was unbelievable. Those guys would have run through a wall for Coach Barnes. I trust that he knows what he wants and what players are the right fit for their culture. He obviously likes Gillespie. I am sure that they discussed getting Rice at some point. I would say that's in the works. There has been a lot of print about Freeman from LMU. He can play 3 and 4. It seems like we are back in the discussion for Ament. Not sure how serious that discussion is. Looks like Carey is going to be signed at some point. If all of that happens and CRB is good with the fit, we could be really good! The roster might look like this:
1-Gillespie, Henderson
2-Rice, Boswell
3-Ament, Evans
4-Freeman, Phillips, Carey
5-Okpara, Estrella, Brown
They will probably leave one spot open in case they need another roster spot. In my opinion, that team right there can win the SEC if the chemistry is right and they stay healthy. I see balanced scoring and a lot of talent. I like the size and the athletic ability that Tennessee would have on that team.

 

[omghulkhands]

I’m highly in favor of going after rising sophomores and juniors in the portal.

Yes, you have to re-recruit them later but you do so from a much stronger position. You’ll also know their value more than anyone.

 

[Delmar]

Kentucky misses on another one. Lindeborg to Michigan if he doesn’t go to the NBA.

 

[TrippieRedd]

I’m highly in favor of going after rising sophomores and juniors in the portal.

Yes, you have to re-recruit them later but you do so from a much stronger position. You’ll also know their value more than anyone.

I’m fine with seniors as well since they will have the option to return starting next year…right?

We could end up with Gillespie for two seasons potentially

 

[ManchesterVol03]

I could see Okpara starting at the 5, but I don’t see him closing out games at the 5 like this past year. If Estrella is healthy, or Carey(?)/Phillips show they can play a small ball 5 for a period of time, it would probably provide our offense more versatility down the stretch in crunch time games. Granted this would require us to get a stretch 4 type player or you’ll be playing Phillips/Carey at the 4 anyways. I think we have some needs like everyone else, but most of all we need at least 2 athletic wing type players more than we need another smaller guard. Although we do need one more guard or two. Or else spacing will be a major issue if we HAVE to play 2 bigs all year. Not saying it wouldn’t work, but we definitely wouldn’t have great spacing playing 2 of (Okpara,Phillips, Estrella, Carey) at the same time.

 

[VolsNetClippers2025]

CRB has a history at Tennessee of recruiting players that fit the culture that they have in the UT men's basketball program right now. Chemistry is everything. The chemistry that UT had this past season was unbelievable. Those guys would have run through a wall for Coach Barnes. I trust that he knows what he wants and what players are the right fit for their culture. He obviously likes Gillespie. I am sure that they discussed getting Rice at some point. I would say that's in the works. There has been a lot of print about Freeman from LMU. He can play 3 and 4. It seems like we are back in the discussion for Ament. Not sure how serious that discussion is. Looks like Carey is going to be signed at some point. If all of that happens and CRB is good with the fit, we could be really good! The roster might look like this:
1-Gillespie, Henderson
2-Rice, Boswell
3-Ament, Evans
4-Freeman, Phillips, Carey
5-Okpara, Estrella, Brown
They will probably leave one spot open in case they need another roster spot. In my opinion, that team right there can win the SEC if the chemistry is right and they stay healthy. I see balanced scoring and a lot of talent. I like the size and the athletic ability that Tennessee would have on that team.

This team looks great to me, the only concern is a lack of scoring punch off the bench from guards. Evans could be that but is unproven. Also unsure how we afford Gillespie AND Rice/Ament/Freeman/Carey. Think we likely get 4 of the 5, with the one out being Freeman. Would be absolutely stoked if we get all five. Alternatively, would love Ament at the 4 and another scoring guard at 3.

 

[ochocinco]

What’s up with Dioubate? We talking to him? Than guys a monster.

 

[TrippieRedd]

CRB has a history at Tennessee of recruiting players that fit the culture that they have in the UT men's basketball program right now. Chemistry is everything. The chemistry that UT had this past season was unbelievable. Those guys would have run through a wall for Coach Barnes. I trust that he knows what he wants and what players are the right fit for their culture. He obviously likes Gillespie. I am sure that they discussed getting Rice at some point. I would say that's in the works. There has been a lot of print about Freeman from LMU. He can play 3 and 4. It seems like we are back in the discussion for Ament. Not sure how serious that discussion is. Looks like Carey is going to be signed at some point. If all of that happens and CRB is good with the fit, we could be really good! The roster might look like this:
1-Gillespie, Henderson
2-Rice, Boswell
3-Ament, Evans
4-Freeman, Phillips, Carey
5-Okpara, Estrella, Brown
They will probably leave one spot open in case they need another roster spot. In my opinion, that team right there can win the SEC if the chemistry is right and they stay healthy. I see balanced scoring and a lot of talent. I like the size and the athletic ability that Tennessee would have on that team.

Big starting lineup as well
Freeman 6’8 - 6’9
Ament 6’9 - 6’10
Okpara 6’11

I like it. Add Atwell as 6th man coming off the bench in a Gainey/Brea role. Knock down 3s

 

[sami]

I’m highly in favor of going after rising sophomores and juniors in the portal.

Yes, you have to re-recruit them later but you do so from a much stronger position. You’ll also know their value more than anyone.

Agree 100% with this. The only way to establish and maintain a culture is to have returning players who can sell it to potential recruits and transfers and can help instill it in the summer and fall.

 

[VolsNetClippers2025]

Big starting lineup as well
Freeman 6’8 - 6’9
Ament 6’9 - 6’10
Okpara 6’11

I like it. Add Atwell as 6th man coming off the bench in a Gainey/Brea role. Knock down 3s

At some point there won't be money left, though I agree with a 6th man like that AND Ament/Freeman/Rice that's an elite team.

 

[CAVPUT]

Big starting lineup as well
Freeman 6’8 - 6’9
Ament 6’9 - 6’10
Okpara 6’11

I like it. Add Atwell as 6th man coming off the bench in a Gainey/Brea role. Knock down 3s

Now just throw in some deer antler spray or whatever Houston recommends and we're cookin'.

 

[TrippieRedd]

Looking more at that Lowe kid that UK got…that kid is gonna lose them some games next season with how much he just chucks up shots and some of his passes are super wild/lucky thst probably wont fly in the SEC.

 

[omghulkhands]

I’m fine with seniors as well since they will have the option to return starting next year…right?

We could end up with Gillespie for two seasons potentially

Sure. I just mean I like players like Rice way more than others might

 

[Legion of Doom]

Looking more at that Lowe kid that UK got…that kid is gonna lose them some games next season with how much he just chucks up shots and some of his passes are super wild/lucky thst probably wont fly in the SEC.

Hilarious that ESPN had article on him but nothing about Gillespie, who Kentucky wanted and is a better player.

 

[VolFreakJosh]

Hilarious that ESPN had article on him but nothing about Gillespie, who Kentucky wanted and is a better player.

Blue bloods are always going to get more attention in basketball

 

[Flogballs]

Hilarious that ESPN had article on him but nothing about Gillespie, who Kentucky wanted and is a better player.

They had one yesterday about “the top PG in the portal” going to Syracuse

 

[Dougie_D]

I don't think J. Phillips was a problem. NIL was fresh and all these kids prior weren't involved with NIL stuff. Basically, he was already a bit isolated from the locker room. I just don't think he was a good fit at that time.

I think Ament is different and with the other players coming along. Everybody knows the drill.

 

[LegionnaireOfTheMiserable]

NIL is not funded by the school, so it has no effect. I can’t believe people are still confused by this.

Well, no, it isn’t, but people are only gonna give so much money. If our major donors are already contributing to paying coaches and facility upgrades, they may balk at forking out more.

 

[oldaaucoach]

Not enough centers IMO

not enough that can play with their back to the basket low post offense.

 

[CAVPUT]

I don't think J. Phillips was a problem. NIL was fresh and all these kids prior weren't involved with NIL stuff. Basically, he was already a bit isolated from the locker room. I just don't think he was a good fit at that time.

I think Ament is different and with the other players coming along. Everybody knows the drill.

Perhaps, but I'd still prefer to avoid the one and done types. Maybe with a deeper bench, a guy like Ament won't have as tough a transition, but to come into this league and play defense the way Barnes demands is a big ask of a HS player. I'd rather roll with guys who've been through a year or two at the college level and are a bit more mature physically.

 

[oldaaucoach]

Have to have players like Ament to make final 4. Plain and simple.

^^^^ what he said.

 

[oldaaucoach]

CRB has a history at Tennessee of recruiting players that fit the culture that they have in the UT men's basketball program right now. Chemistry is everything. The chemistry that UT had this past season was unbelievable. Those guys would have run through a wall for Coach Barnes. I trust that he knows what he wants and what players are the right fit for their culture. He obviously likes Gillespie. I am sure that they discussed getting Rice at some point. I would say that's in the works. There has been a lot of print about Freeman from LMU. He can play 3 and 4. It seems like we are back in the discussion for Ament. Not sure how serious that discussion is. Looks like Carey is going to be signed at some point. If all of that happens and CRB is good with the fit, we could be really good! The roster might look like this:
1-Gillespie, Henderson
2-Rice, Boswell
3-Ament, Evans
4-Freeman, Phillips, Carey
5-Okpara, Estrella, Brown
They will probably leave one spot open in case they need another roster spot. In my opinion, that team right there can win the SEC if the chemistry is right and they stay healthy. I see balanced scoring and a lot of talent. I like the size and the athletic ability that Tennessee would have on that team.

I like this lineup a lot. Now replace Freeman with Marqus Johnson (-25 lbs) and you have my dream team.