'22 NY PF Tobe Awaka (Tennessee commit)

#126
#126
cardvolfan said:
@cncchris33 I’m thinking a very good comp to Tshiebwe. I think he has a great motor and desire. In addition, the kid is highly intelligent and well-grounded. I think we just sneaked another through the back door.
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Perhaps in style. Tshiebwe is just one of the most dominant college post players we've seen in some time. I hate to put anywhere near that expectation on him, which I'm certain wasn't your intention. Heck, if Awaka can, at some point, average half of what Tsiebwe did (8-9 ppg and 7-8 rpg), even that is a huge win. Someone mentioned PJ Washington as a comp, too, and I think that one is pretty solid, as well, at least collegiately. Size-wise, Awaka falls in between those two former UK players.
 
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#131
#131
VolOnthePlains said:
Tennessee adds commitment from New York power forward Tobe Awaka

This says reclassification remains an option, depending on who else joins this year’s class.
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Yeah, I just found Slater's choice of words "as part of the 2023 class" interesting. It's an interesting thought that we could have Jefferson commit Friday and still have 2 spots to fill if Awaka decides to stay in 2023. I wonder where we would go at that point to fill the roster if we miss on Hunter?
 
#132
#132
TheMookieMonster said:
Yeah, I just found Slater's choice of words "as part of the 2023 class" interesting. It's an interesting thought that we could have Jefferson commit Friday and still have 2 spots to fill if Awaka decides to stay in 2023. I wonder where we would go at that point to fill the roster if we miss on Hunter?
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They aren’t really his words, that’s a direct quote from Awaka’s Instagram. I would imagine the coaches told him that as of now he’s a 2023 guy but they might have a spot for him to come on board this year.
 
#134
#134
I love this Kid. His footwork is amazing for a young post player. He can pivot to his left or his right. This kid is a player. If he can hit free throws Awaka will be a quality player here. This is a quality addition to the roster. All the Rick Barnes haters are going to eat crow on this one !!!
 
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#135
#135
So wait, wasn't he originally a 22 kid? Is he reclassifying into the 23 class? Or was he always 23 and all the sites just had it wrong?
 
#136
#136
VolOnthePlains said:
They aren’t really his words, that’s a direct quote from Awaka’s Instagram. I would imagine the coaches told him that as of now he’s a 2023 guy but they might have a spot for him to come on board this year.
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The plan is for him to come soon to play this Fall. He’s in the midst of working through leaving his AAU commitment for the Summer, and going through his existing academics with UT to confirm immediate eligibility. Assuming everything works out, he wants to be here this Summer.
 
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#138
#138
Stoerner Fumbles said:
The plan is for him to come soon to play this Fall. He’s in the midst of working through leaving his AAU commitment for the Summer, and going through his existing academics with UT to confirm immediate eligibility. Assuming everything works out, he wants to be here this Summer.
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Good points. Reclassifying is more than the athlete's and school's decision. The athlete must be an academic qualifier. Awaka's coach has said he is an "A" student. So, he likely a good candidate. However, the rules are very specific as to core course requirements and which courses can be included in the GPA calculation. NCAA Eligibility Requirements and Academic Eligibility Rules

He is probably being reported as a 2023 recruit while the UT compliance office does the run through of his transcript.
 
#140
#140
Awaka isn't as talented as BHH, but I think there's a good chance he matches, if not exceeds BHH's freshman numbers.
 
#145
#145
johnfnkelly said:
Awaka isn't as talented as BHH, but I think there's a good chance he matches, if not exceeds BHH's freshman numbers.
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I could be wrong, but if he reclassified to 2022 I’m not sure he plays. I think it depends on what happens with that last slot we fill and if it goes to an immediate impact guy or not from the portal. I think ideally bringing him in to get in our strength and conditioning program and redshirting to learn the team is probably for the best. But, as others have noted, it’s probably not hard to surpass BHH’s number if he does play.

I just think minutes are already going to be at a premium next year with so much experience from our rotation returning, and if you add a guy like Hunter (different positions I know, I know) you want to keep that rotation at 8-9 men ideally, and I don’t know where he cracks through for minutes.
 
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#146
#146
TheMookieMonster said:
I could be wrong, but if he reclassified to 2022 I’m not sure he plays. I think it depends on what happens with that last slot we fill and if it goes to an immediate impact guy or not from the portal. I think ideally bringing him in to get in our strength and conditioning program and redshirting to learn the team is probably for the best. But, as others have noted, it’s probably not hard to surpass BHH’s number if he does play.

I just think minutes are already going to be at a premium next year with so much experience from our rotation returning, and if you add a guy like Hunter (different positions I know, I know) you want to keep that rotation at 8-9 men ideally, and I don’t know where he cracks through for minutes.
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I personally don't see anybody in the 4/5 room that has their minutes on lock, outside maybe ON. The road to playing time is there.
 
#147
#147
johnfnkelly said:
I personally don't see anybody in the 4/5 room that has their minutes on lock, outside maybe ON. The road to playing time is there.
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Plavsic isn’t going anywhere. The staff loves his toughness, I think last year made that clear. Aidoo/Plavsic/ORN will get most of the post minutes. I think you’re also going to see this team run a lot of 4-guard lineups and small ball which means less minutes for post players. That will be especially true if we somehow land Hunter.

Personally, I think it’s a GOOD problem to have to not make your freshmen play unless they are first round talents. I remember how we all wish we had let Kyle Alexander redshirt and how big it would have been to get an extra year of him. This team doesn’t really “need” Awaka to for us be good next year. We will need him down the line.
 
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#150
#150
Voltime123 said:
Not better at rebounding
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Aidoo’s presence on the defensive end, primarily shot-blocking and his long arms are impressive. But offensively he is very raw in all elements of the game. Coach Barnes and his staff have a lot of work to do, teaching fundamental low post footwork to Jonas. If he’s committed to putting in the work, Aidoo should easily be the most improved Vol next season because he has the farthest to go.
 
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