The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball program and head coach Rick Barnes are on a tear right now in terms of attracting recruits for next season. With more NIL funding at his disposal, Barnes has taken full advantage, acquiring some of the most well-known players in the transfer market.
“Tennessee basketball is on track to be among the elite in NIL spending next season. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, the Vols are one of a small group of teams that plan to spend $10 million or more on NIL for their roster next season, according to VolQuest’s Grant Ramey.
The Vols’ most recent portal addition is former Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s basketball freshman Jalen Haralson, a McDonald’s All-American.
“Tennessee basketball has gained a commitment from Notre Dame transfer forward Jalen Haralson, a source with direct knowledge of the issue told Volquest. This season, the 6-foot-7, 220-pound rookie averaged 16. 2 points, 4. 0 rebounds, and 2. 6 assists in 27 games for the Fighting Irish. “Haralson traveled to Tennessee on Tuesday and made his commitment Wednesday after his trip ended. “
Tennessee is still awaiting a decision from another important target, Juke Harris, and there is increasing confidence that he will end up in Knoxville.
“It’s safe to say Harris is now on commit watch. In particular, if Barnes wins, it would be a program-changing commitment for Harris. He is largely regarded as one of the best shooters in the portal. He previously appeared to be Michigan-bound, but North Carolina fans now believe they are in the driver’s seat for him. With Harris hailing from North Carolina, the prospect of him performing near to home appeared to be the icing on the cake for the Heels. Instead, the Vols never stopped pushing for him, and a recent in-home visit definitely had an impact on him as well,” All For Tennessee’s Braulio Perez reported.
Harris is one of the most sought-after players in the portal, and Tennessee looks to be in the lead to sign him. If Barnes can recruit him to an already remarkable class, the prognosis for Rocky Top will be much brighter.
According to 247Sports, Harris is the portal’s No. 7 overall player and No. 1 small forward. There is no question that he would improve Tennessee’s roster. If the Vols can acquire Harris and another big man, this squad has the potential to become one of the most dangerous in college basketball.
