The transfer portal giveth, and the portal taketh away in the modern college sports landscape. When it comes to the Tennessee basketball program on Friday afternoon, the latter is what applies.
Joe Tipton of On3 Sports reports that Tennessee forward Cade Phillips is entering the transfer portal.
Cade Phillips, a forward for Tennessee joining the transfer portal
Phillips started nine of the first ten games of the season for the Volunteers. His last game was on December 6 against Illinois. The surgery to his shoulder would have cost him the remainder of the season.
Rick Barnes and the Vols are not in the best position for roster building heading into the upcoming season. Coming off the bench in 2024–25, Phillips played a crucial role, appearing in every game—38 in all—with an average of 15 minutes on the field, 4. 6 points, and 3. 8 rebounds each game.
With players like Kansas center Flory Bidunga and Georgia center Somto Cyril in the portal, among others, Tennessee will have flawless alternatives as they search for a rim protector to fill the void left by the loss of Felix Okpara. With Phillips also leaving the city, they will now have to figure out how to increase the depth in the frontcourt.
