The Tennessee Volunteers and head coach Rick Barnes have been on a tear this transfer portal season with the deals they’ve made. Tennessee has already secured several of the portal’s top players, with the potential for more additions. While the Vols continue to chase Juke Harris, their greatest need now is to add another big man.
“Harris is the greatest fish remaining, but the most pressing 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.
The Vols will host Johan Munch later this week.
“Barnes is getting Tennessee involved with a 6-foot-11 big guy from Denmark. The Vols will host former Oregon State Center Johan Munch next Friday after he visits SMU. Last season, he averaged 7. 9 points, 5. 1 rebounds, and 1. 0 assists. This is a substantial addition for Tennessee, both symbolically and physically. Munch, standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 220 pounds, meets Rick Barnes’ requirements of physical rebounding and strong defense, according to All For Tennessee’s Conner Linsner.
It has also been stated that the Vols would welcome Kent State transfer Braeden Lue, who possesses excellent rim-protection abilities.
“According to 247Sports, Tennessee is hosting 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward Braeden Lue on a visit. Last season, the former Kennesaw State big man averaged 10. 9 points, 5. 3 rebounds, 1. 2 assists, and 1. 4 blocks per game while shooting 45. 2% from the field. He’ll have two years of eligibility remaining, making him a possible frontcourt contributor with future potential. Lue excels on the defensive side of the court. Lue was in the 91st percentile in block rate last season, demonstrating his excellent rim protection abilities.
Tennessee may have its frontcourt virtually set by the end of the week, since every visit this portal season has resulted in a commitment. Adding both players would give the squad the size and defensive presence it wants.
Lue projects more as a forward, while Munch would most likely serve as a center, supporting Miles Rubin or playing alongside him. Adding both would offer Barnes a lot of lineup versatility going forward.
