Top programs, like Tennessee, now consider the offseason to be just as crucial as the postseason. The Volunteers don’t want to fall behind as the transfer site gets more and more competitive.
The same old problems plagued Tennessee as the offseason began: What are the best ways to replace the departing players? How can offensive consistency be injected? How can other programs be kept up with?
Jalen Haralson, who entered the transfer portal after a standout freshman season at Notre Dame, may hold the key to the Volunteers’ problem. According to Joe Tipton of one3. com, Tennessee has a decent chance of signing Haralson.
“Jalen Haralson, a former McDonald’s All-American from Notre Dame, will travel to Knoxville today to begin his official visit with Tennessee. His list also includes Ohio State and North Carolina, but the ‘Vols are gaining traction in this recruiting and are moving in the right direction,” Tipton said.
With the Fighting Irish, Haralson averaged 16. 2 points, 51. 5% field goals, 4. 0 rebounds, and 2. 6 assists. Following a No. 10 ranking after his time at La Lumiere School in Indiana, he is the top-ranked recruit in program history.
At 18, the striker has a lot of potential. Given his age, his length, range of talents, and adaptability are remarkable. He has been labeled a do-it-all genius by many.
Tennessee, which advanced to the Elite Eight of this year’s NCAA Tournament before losing to Michigan, could have given him a significant role immediately.
From Volunteers coach Rick Barnes, who has trained the likes of Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, Myles Turner, Jarrett Allen, DJ Augustin, Grant Williams, and Keon Johnson, Haralson would have a lot to learn.
