Tennessee reportedly hosting 7-foot 4-star rim protector to secure much-needed frontcourt piece originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tennessee Volunteers basketball have landed some of the biggest names in the transfer portal so far. However, there may not be a bigger remaining target than Juke Harris, who could make a significant impact for any program. On3’s Chris Low believes Harris is likely headed to Tennessee.
Advertisement
“You never say never, but all my intel says that this week that Juke Harris will pull the trigger and come to Tennessee,” said Low. “I know his mom is a big fan of the program, and a big fan of Rick Barnes. Tennessee was right there in it when he went out of high school.”
While landing Harris would be a major addition for Tennessee, the frontcourt remains the biggest area of need. Barnes currently has just three forward-type players on the roster, making another addition up front a priority.
“Harris is the biggest fish left but the biggest positional need is on the inside where Tennessee needs to add another rim protecting big man to go along with Loyola (Chicago) transfer Miles Rubin and DeWayne Brown,” Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert wrote.
Barnes and his staff are actively working to bolster the frontcourt, and they already have a seven-foot center on campus. Tennessee is hoping that Favour Ibe will be the next player to commit to Rocky Top.
Advertisement
“Tennessee is hosting Favour Ibe, a 7-foot-1 center, on a visit this weekend,” VolQuest’s Mike Wilson wrote.
Ibe brings a strong rim presence and is known for his defensive ability, which makes him an appealing target for Barnes. The four-star recruit from Maryland would be a significant addition for Tennessee.
While Ibe may initially project as a developmental piece, he has the potential to surprise, similar to DeWayne Brown when he first arrived on campus. Size is crucial in the college game, and that is an area Tennessee is currently looking to strengthen. Ibe would help address that need in a major way. Barnes has also been highly successful in securing commitments from players who have visited campus this spring.
