Felix Okpara Appreciation Post

[Just a VolinTears]

Came in last season and saw two Elite 8s. We fans didn't know what to expect when he came from Ohio St but it's safe to say he exceeded expectations. Turned himself into a Top 10 Tennessee defender of all time (in my opinion). Was a great guy and always played hard. I think he has an NBA future. Thanks for the memories and some of the best blocks I've ever seen Felix! Good luck!

 

[SAPPER 5]

My favorite Basket-Vol this year.

 

[Skooter]

Felix didn’t touch a basketball until 8 years ago. Such a quality young man. IMO he was tired today as well.

 

[VolAllen]

My oldest son’s name is Felix, and he loves the Vols, so it was a cool thing for us. Appreciate his time wearing the 151!

 

[Putbacks]

And there is no one left on the current roster to replace his skill set. Big loss for us…

 

[ftsandersvol]

He gave it his all every game. He will be missed.

 

[Namorto1]

Felix is another classic example (much like
Mashack) where embracing your role and being elite in that role can pay off. Guy is gifted defensively and has great feet to switch on perimeter players. He will get a shot in the NBA. Only one basketball to share and many don’t need score.

 

[biscuitbilly]

Gritty. Helped ease the loss of Mashak last year in terms of effort and toughness. Got a ways to go before he hits his ceiling. Hope he can cash in the NBA or Europe. Thanks Felix!

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

Felix was one of the most improved players.

 

[Augustus McRae]

Always gave 110%

 

[jtdavis]

Another great kid, and VFL. I wish the young man nothing but the best. He will be missed.

 

[vols 30]

He gave it his all every game. He will be missed.

Had a pretty good tournament too. He will be missed for sure

 

[njvols]

He will be missed, and understand he is a quality young man. Hope nothing but the best for him. Think he'll find a sustainable home in NBA w/ his rim protection and defense skills....and we'll have a heck of a time trying to replace him.

 

[Chickenfarmer]

Thanks Big Guy. You gave you’re all for TN.

 

[TartanTurff]

His lobe dunks were always fun to watch, brought the crowd back into the game on many occasions, everybody enjoyed watching Felix play

 

[PowerWookie]

Yes

 

[Mullins2010]

He took the lose the hardest today....will.miss the guy

 

[1Big_Orange_Fan]

Thank you, Felix. It was a pleasure to watch you play!

 

[esarmstrong]

That block he got in the Iowa State game that led to a layup by Jacobi Gillespie was absolutely sick! Perfectly sums up his tenure at Tennessee.

 

[CBVols]

What a great transfer pick up Felix turned out to be, Glad we had him multiple years.

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

Thank you Felix...it was a pleasure to watch you play every game. You made history at UT and helped lead us to b2b E8's - best of luck at the next level!

 

[Volfan1017]

He was such a team player and always played hard. He did all the dirty work and did it well. Never let his offense affect his defense. Not many players like this anymore. He's been an absolute joy to watch!

 

[VolunteerCeltic]

Loved Okpara's career at UT! Glad we can call him a VFL!

 

[10seV4L]

Another great kid, and VFL. I wish the young man nothing but the best. He will be missed.

... I second the VFL tag.
And, Felix is a baller, kinda cut from the 90's mold of athletic post players. Insane shot blocker, out-of-nowhere, crazy angles and range. The kind players learn to steer clear of.
An "Air-Traffic Controller" of the post.
Put some handles on him and keep gaining the muscle, and he'll look like Shawn Kemp out there! Just in time for the return of the Sonics

 

[Les Paul Vol]

Job well done young man , I will miss the lob dunks and the blocks and rim protecting