Tennessee Basketball’s 2024-25 Outlook: Roster Updates and Transfer Portal News
Tennessee basketball and coach Rick Barnes are entering the offseason following the most successful postseason run of his nine-year tenure.
Following Sunday’s Elite Eight loss to Purdue, the Vols will lose three crucial players while returning a solid rising senior class. They will also be active in the transfer portal again after acquiring Dalton Knecht, their largest portal acquisition of the previous offseason.
Here’s everything you should know about the roster for next season:
Who has Departed from Tennessee Basketball?
Knecht, who transferred in from Northern Colorado and was a consensus All-American and SEC player of the year, will leave Tennessee. Following his one season at UT, he will be drafted in the first round of the NBA.
Josiah-Jordan James and Santiago Vescovi graduate after five years. Both had long and successful careers at Knoxville, aiding the program’s transition from the Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield eras. UT has been ranked continuously for three consecutive seasons, and that pair is a big reason why.
If someone decides to transfer, the Vols may have extra openings.
Who is Returning for Tennessee Basketball?
Rising seniors Zakai Zeigler, Jonas Aidoo, Jahmai Mashack, and Jordan Gainey return to anchor the Vols’ lineup. Any player might choose to enter the NBA draft while maintaining their college eligibility.
Zeigler is already a fan favorite at UT and has the potential to become a beloved legend during his senior season. Aidoo broke out as a junior and could repeat that success as a senior. Mashack is a valuable player for Tennessee because of his defense and improved shooting. He could start next season. Gainey may play a larger role, particularly on offense, and also serve as a point guard.
Tobe Awaka, a rising junior, is a dominant rebounder. He was UT’s best forward in the NCAA tournament, but he spent most of the season trailing Aidoo. Freddie Dilione V and D.J. Jefferson are entering their third year of the program, but have yet to develop a role.
Guard Cameron Carr and forwards J.P. Estrella and Cade Phillips are rising sophomores at UT who have shown promise. Estrella showed flashes in the NCAA tournament, particularly against Purdue. Carr has the potential to be a high-scoring wing player.
Who Does Tennessee Basketball Need in the Transfer Portal?
The Vols will need to find a scoring winger. They won’t find another Knecht. That was a portal unicorn, but a consistent scorer is a need. It would preferably be on the wing, as Tennessee now has a vacancy due to Knecht’s departure, as well as the loss of James and Vescovi as perimeter scorers.
Tennessee might try to add guard depth behind Zeigler as well as an experienced fourth-year player.
Who is Tennessee Basketball Bringing in?
Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class has only one signee, Bishop Boswell. According to the 247Sports Composite, the 6-foot-4 guard from Charlotte is the nation’s No. 71 prospect.