The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team fell short in their third consecutive Elite Eight appearance, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of many. Head coach Rick Barnes has made it a priority to develop a squad capable of overcoming that barrier. Tennessee has also invested more NIL funds to support the program.
“Tennessee basketball is on track to rank among the top in NIL expenditure next season. On Thursday, On3’s Pete Nakos revealed that the Vols were one of a few clubs expected to spend $10 million or more on NIL for their roster next season, according to VolQuest’s Grant Ramey.
The Vols have acquired some of the most well-known players in the transfer portal at their respective positions, but they still have a glaring hole at center.
“Harris is the largest fish left, but the most important 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.
Barnes and his team will welcome Johan Munch, a towering figure from the Oregon State Beavers men’s basketball team, to campus on Friday in the hopes of obtaining a commitment.
“Barnes is getting Tennessee involved with a 6-foot-11 big guy from Denmark. After visiting SMU, the Vols will host former Oregon State center Johan Munch next Friday. Last season, he averaged 7. 9 points, 5. 1 rebounds, and 1. 0 assist. This is a significant addition for Tennessee, both figuratively and physically. Munch, standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 220 pounds, matches precisely what Rick Barnes seeks in a player: strong rebounding and excellent defense. He is not an offensive powerhouse, but he can finish around the basket and attract fouls on a regular basis. Right now, it appears that Munch’s greatest opponent is SMU, which Tennessee should have no trouble defeating. If they can recruit Munch, it will be an excellent addition. I don’t believe he will bankrupt the university, and he will perform everything the Vols require of a center, according to Conner Linser of All For Tennessee.
Landing Munch would be a huge gain for the Vols, providing them with two rim protectors in addition to Miles Rubin. Barnes has continually prioritized defensive big men, and this partnership would solidify that image.
The Volunteers are putting together what might be the greatest squad in program history. There is little question that Barnes is going all-in, and bringing in Munch would give the team a new essential element.
