It’s been less than two weeks since Tennessee played their final game of the season, a 72-66 loss to Purdue in the Elite Eight. When the game was over, Vols fans celebrated a great season that saw Tennessee reach the Elite Eight for the first time in over a decade. Fast forward to the present, and Vol Nation sees an entirely new team with more questions about the future than answers.
In a relatively short time, Tennessee has seen two major pieces and two complementary players enter the transfer portal. There was little shock when Freddie Dilione V and D.J. Jefferson entered the portal. Neither player had significant roles, which oftentimes leads to a desire to try their luck elsewhere. Then everything changed.
Tobe Awaka entered the portal roughly four days ago and Jonas Aidoo joined him soon after. To say it was a shocking move would be an understatement. Aidoo was performing at a high level averaging 11.4 points per game and 7.3 rebounds. While he didn’t light up the stat book, Awaka was a great defensive presence who played a never-give-up style of basketball. He was surely in line for an increased role next year.
Now, the Vols are forced to find replacements for four starters and a sixth man. The fact is this is not just a UT problem. This is the new world of college basketball during the transfer portal and NIL era. Player movement is commonplace, whether it’s for more playing, a change of scenery or more NIL money. The players have the power they had been lacking for years.
While some may not agree with the new law of the land, this is the new world and it’s not going to change. Now, it’s up to Rick Barnes and the coaching staff to find new, innovative ways to keep players from transferring or to find new talent. The transfer portal works both ways. The Vols have the ability to bring in new talent just as quickly as they lose it.
Over the next few weeks, there will be plenty of discussion about new transfer targets and maybe even some new high school recruits. Vols fans have to trust Barnes to go out and find the best players to fill in the void no matter where they come from.
Ryan Cloud is the owner and writer for Vols Weekly. Follow him on Twitter @RyanCloudSports.
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