The Tennessee Volunteers and head coach Rick Barnes have been on a tear this transfer portal season, making some outstanding acquisitions. Tennessee has already recruited some of the best players in the transfer market, with the opportunity to add more. While the Vols are still pursuing Juke Harris, their most pressing need is the addition of another big guy.
“Harris is the largest fish left, but Tennessee’s greatest positional need is on the inside, where the team needs to add another rim-protecting big guy to complement 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 man from Denmark. The Vols will welcome former Oregon State center Johan Munch next Friday, following his trip to SMU. Last season, he averaged 7. 9 points, 5. 1 rebounds, and 1. 0 assists. This is a significant addition for Tennessee, both figuratively and literally. Munch, at 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds, is precisely what Rick Barnes seeks for: strong rebounding and outstanding defense, according to Conner Linsner of All For Tennessee.
It has also been reported that the Vols would welcome Kent State transfer Braeden Lue, who has excellent rim-protection skills.
“According to 247Sports, Tennessee is hosting 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward Braeden Lue for a visit. The former Kennesaw State big guy averaged 10. 9 points, 5. 3 rebounds, 1. 2 assists, and 1. 4 blocks per game last season while shooting 45. 2% from the field. He has two years of eligibility remaining, making him a possible frontcourt component with future development. Lue shines on defense. Lue was in the 91st percentile in block rate last season, demonstrating his outstanding rim protection abilities, according to Linsner.
Tennessee might have its frontcourt nearly settled by the end of the week, since every visit this portal season has resulted in a pledge. The addition of both players will provide the Vols with the size and defensive presence they require.
Lue projects more as a forward, while Munch would most likely play center, supporting Miles Rubin or playing alongside him. Bringing in both would provide Barnes a lot of roster flexibility moving forward.
