Tennessee making strong push for 4-star 7-footer with elite rim protection to pair with Miles Rubin
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Tennessee making strong push for 4-star 7-footer with elite rim protection to pair with Miles Rubin originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball have lost three consecutive Elite Eight appearances, which prompted head coach Rick Barnes to be aggressive during this transfer portal cycle. Tennessee has responded by landing some of the biggest names available. In fact, Barnes now holds the top-ranked transfer portal class in college basketball after securing Juke Harris.
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“Tennessee basketball keeps adding to its star-studded transfer portal haul, adding Wake Forest guard Juke Harris on Monday, May 4. Harris, the No. 2-ranked overall player in the transfer portal in USA TODAY's rankings, averaged 21.4 points with 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season on 44.4% shooting. He chose the Vols over Michigan, which he visited, and North Carolina, among others. Harris' commitment lifts Tennessee's portal haul to No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports' class rankings,” Austin Curtright wrote.
The Vols are still looking to add one more player to the roster, and their latest visitor was 7-foot-1 center Favour Ibe.
“Tennessee is hosting Favour Ibe, a 7-foot-1 center, on a visit this weekend,” VolQuest’s Mike Wilson wrote.
Barnes’ final major move could be convincing Ibe to commit to Tennessee. For now, the Vols do not appear eager to pursue another option until Ibe makes his decision. The talented big man has tremendous upside, which is why Tennessee is making a late push to land him.
“I think right now you’re waiting to see what the visitor (2026 recruit Favour Ibe, who is 7-foot-1) from over the weekend does,” said Brent Hubbs Tuesday on WNML’s SportsTalk. “What does he do? That sort feels like [that’s where] it is right now. And then after that, I don’t know.”
Ibe projects as a strong rim protector for the Volunteers and could eventually develop into a player similar to Felix Okpara. Tennessee appears focused on filling its final roster spot, and Ibe could be an ideal fit.
Landing Ibe would be another massive addition for the Vols and one that could pay off long term as he develops. Barnes appears to be closing in on what could become the best transfer portal class of his Tennessee tenure.