The college basketball transfer market is already underway just after Michigan’s national championship triumph over UConn. However, while much of the news focuses on who is entering the transfer portal, some players, such as Tennessee Vols forward DeWayne Brown II, choose to remain.
According to Joe Tipton of On3, DeWayne Brown will forego the transfer gateway and stay at Tennessee, providing the Vols with a crucial returner in the frontcourt for the 2026-27 season.
Brown contributed significantly to Tennessee’s run to the Elite Eight, where they were defeated by eventual national champion Michigan. Brown scored six points, two rebounds, and one assist in 12 minutes of play in that game. That was his March Madness high in playing time. He went 3-of-5 from the field.
Brown featured in 35 games, including 10 starts, averaging little over 14 minutes per game. He averaged 4. 8 points and 3. 6 rebounds, with a 58. 6% field goal percentage and 66% free throw percentage.
His return is crucial for the Vols, who have already lost six players to the transfer portal: Bishop Boswell, Clarence Massamba, Troy Henderson, Cade Phillips, JP Estrella, and Jaylen Carey. That is already including the projected loss of possible first-round NBA Draft selection Nate Ament.
Rick Barnes completed his 11th season as Tennessee’s head coach this past season. During his tenure, he has guided the Vols to eight NCAA Tournament berths, including five Sweet 16 appearances and three Elite Eight appearances.
