How do you know TN was interested in the bigs in the portal? Stop pushing a narrative that possibly has no truth to it based simply on WHO the LVs have been able to sign.
Every player that signed with TN had multiple options in teams such as Texas, LSU, Louisville, Baylor, Ole Miss, Alabama etc. If there’s a list that comes out ranking the transfers from the portal I’ll go out on a limb and say all Tenn signees will be in the Top 10-15 w/ Rickea being in the Top 1-3.
You don’t sign a player over a better player just because they are 2 or 3 inches taller.
Tamari Key backup doesn’t have to be a player that is 6’4 or taller.
Size has more to do with just height.. look at some of the better posts from last year LSU Newby, TN Dye, KY Edwards, Mizz Blackwell, TN Puckett.. they played the stretch 4 mostly but also moved to the 5 at times.
I’ve seen plenty 6’4 C that played like they were 6’ feet. It’s time to just admit the roster put together is good enough and it’s proven.