Awaka to the portal

#226
#226
TrippieRedd said:
If ZZ left that would literally be the biggest slap to the face to the fans, university, etc.

The ones that you know, helped change his and his families lives.
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I have zero concerns about ZZ leaving. He has just 1 year of eligibility left and is getting 35+ minutes every game. I don’t think ZZ is the type to just chase money and his family lives here now thanks to the generosity of Vol fans. He knows that, too. He isn’t going anywhere.
 
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#227
#227
RockyTop140 said:
Weren’t we really the only big time program to extend an offer his way? This one rubs me the wrong way
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Unless he is trying to get close to home to be around his family. If not then I agree. Even if that is the case it still sucks big time. I have enjoyed watching him play and grow.
 
#228
#228
GoodTimeVol said:
Are we suppose to feel sorry for coaches who knew the turnover rate and responsibilities prior to entering the profession when they get paid more then some doctors to do said job?
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Nope. There will always be someone who’ll line up for the job because of the money and notoriety. All I’m saying is the job is more difficult now than it used to be with NIL, the transfer portal and re-recruiting your team every year. Some will handle it, some won’t. Some will move to the pros and some will retire because they don’t want to mess with it anymore. Anybody that doesn’t think the job is tougher now is delusional.
 
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#229
#229
Can someone say why? He is deeply religious--seems like that would fit in with Barnes. I would rather see Aidoo leave, frankly. He has such an upside. Does he need money? Can we not help with that?
 
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#230
#230
Delmar said:
Nope. There will always be someone who’ll line up for the job because of the money and notoriety. All I’m saying is the job is more difficult now than it used to be with NIL, the transfer portal and re-recruiting your team every year. Some will handle it, some won’t. Some will move to the pros and some will retire because they don’t want to mess with it anymore. Anybody that doesn’t think the job is tougher now is delusional.
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It’s definitely tougher but sign me up for some of their salary any day lol
 
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#233
#233
He and ZZ are my favorite players. He performed his role of getting rebounds very effectively at about 1 per minute played, that comes with a lot of fouls. I would much rather see Aidoo transfer because he has a smaller upside. The transfer portal is going to kill my interest in college sports I think.
 
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#234
#234
VOLtaism said:
He and ZZ are my favorite players. He performed his role of getting rebounds very effectively at about 1 per minute played, that comes with a lot of fouls. I would much rather see Aidoo transfer because he has a smaller upside. The transfer portal is going to kill my interest in college sports I think.
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ZZ,Mashack and Awaka were my favorites-- with Knecht, who I wish had another year.
 
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#235
#235
cobbwebb0710 said:
I’d never leave VN! I have too much fun with you guys. I’m just not having fun with football and basketball right now.
Sorry, I got jumpy, I’m a little emotional with all this Awaka news.
🤪
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That's ok friend. If you've read the board most posters seem to be struggling with this news too. The comments are from far east to far west. For me personally....as much as I enjoy Vol sports...this is where I unhitch the wagon and concentrate on more pressing issues. And wait to see who hits the floor for the Vols next fall. BTW...glad youre staying :p:p.
 
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#237
#237
Statement from Tobe via Volquest (Note: not sure if typos were in the original post)

www.on3.com

Tobe Awaka addresses 'extremely difficult' decision to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

In a statement posted on social media, Tennessee sophomore forward Tobe Awaka detailed his decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.
www.on3.com www.on3.com

“The past two years have been some of the most influential of my life. The relationships gained and the experiences I’ve had will be forever life-changing. I want to start by thanking Coach Barnes, all of the assistant coaches, and the rest of the basketball staff for welcoming me with open arms and supporting me during my time at Rocky Top.


“I also want to thank my teammates — my brothers for life. It was a pleasure getting to know and going to war with you all these past two years. Last but not least, thank You Vol national for being on of the best fan bases in the country. Your hospitality and support has truly been a blessing.


“This decision was extremely difficult to make, however, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal. Thank you Vol nation, I will always love Tennessee.”
 
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#242
#242
Delmar said:
Nope. There will always be someone who’ll line up for the job because of the money and notoriety. All I’m saying is the job is more difficult now than it used to be with NIL, the transfer portal and re-recruiting your team every year. Some will handle it, some won’t. Some will move to the pros and some will retire because they don’t want to mess with it anymore. Anybody that doesn’t think the job is tougher now is delusional.
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The job is much tougher now--a hassle really, as coaches have to rebuild their roster/teams every year. The head coaches do have big staffs nowadays--it's surprising to see how many assistants, trainers, development specialists, etc. the big programs have. But losing Awaka, if it happens, sux.
 
#244
#244
Told my wife mid-season that he would be the first one to depart.


I wasn't right about those details, but knew he wanted a larger role.
 
#245
#245
gainesvol82 said:
Maybe Awaka entered as a play for more N.I.L. money and UT gives it to him to keep him?

No clue but this sucks but is Awaka worth more money if he can't stop fouling and stay on the court? Only way that happens is if we play a 2 big lineup like we did at times this year and I absolutely loved.
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Someone asked Mashack’s mom if there was a way for us to change Awaka’s mind and keep him. She said no. 😬
 
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#246
#246
This gives Barnes the opportunity to find a portal guy that can score. We need someone who can score the basketball. Hate to lose an experienced player, but Awaka’s offensive game was very limited.
 
#248
#248
Let's keep in mind that we have a thread that currently includes 58 pages of posts in which we're salivating over all the transfers we might reel in from other schools. We were also treated to one of the best seasons in UT basketball history from a transfer. All of those players had to make tough decisions to leave schools and do what is best for them. We can't expect to feast off players from other programs without losing some of our own players. As sad as it is that Tobe is departing, I'd say we remain comfortably ahead as it pertains to the portal.
 
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#250
#250
turbovol said:
The job is much tougher now--a hassle really, as coaches have to rebuild their roster/teams every year. The head coaches do have big staffs nowadays--it's surprising to see how many assistants, trainers, development specialists, etc. the big programs have. But losing Awaka, if it happens, sux.
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Yes it will but it’s the way of the world in college sports now. No guarantees anymore that you’ll have a player more than one year. If more money and/or more playing time gets promised, they are more than likely leaving. (In Awaka’s case, location may also be in play here and I can’t blame him for that.) But I really doubt we see another Vescovi or JJJ staying 4 years again. Too many outside factors that come into play.
 
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