Tennessee Transfer Portal Targets

[knoxvol52]

He’s one of the best players Tennessee has had in a while.

Maybe even the most under appreciated.

I can agree with that 100% on both statements.

 

[Namorto1]

So based on the RSCI top 100 we've had these top 25 guys in the Barnes Era.

Robert Hubbs #22, inherited played 2 years under Barnes (13.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.7 apg in final season)
Josiah-Jordan James #20, played 4 years under Barnes (9.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 spg for career)
Jaden Springer #13, one & done drafted 28th overall (12.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.2 spg)
Keon Johnson #23, one & done drafted 21st overall (11.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.1 spg)
Kennedy Chandler #6, one & done drafted 38th overall (13.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.2 spg)
Brandon Huntley-Hatfield #23, transferred out (3.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
Julian Phillips #14, TBD (8.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.4 apg)

So at this point we've really only had 3 guards that all contributed in their one season here. JJJ overall I'd say was a bit of a disappointment in his career while here.

Understand the point and while I agree that JJJ and Hubbs didn’t live up to the rankings individually and were overrated they both gave us 4 years, which deserves alot of credit. I got on JJJ as much as anyone but he helped create culture and develop the program. Kennedy helped us get a SEC tournament trophy including an epic game against Kentucky but the others while providing some moments didn’t move the needle that much. Heck Vescovi has been a more valuable contributor than all those 5 stars and he may even give us another year.

 

[Vols410]

Understand the point and while I agree that JJJ and Hubbs didn’t live up to the rankings individually and were overrated they both gave us 4 years, which deserves alot of credit. I got on JJJ as much as anyone but he helped create culture and develop the program. Kennedy helped us get a SEC tournament trophy including an epic game against Kentucky but the others while providing some moments didn’t move the needle that much. Heck Vescovi has been a more valuable contributor than all those 5 stars and he may even give us another year.

Agree. JJJ hasn’t lived up to 5-star status, but he’s been a great member of the team and solid contributor. Would be thrilled if most recruits wound up being like him.

 

[vol94]

Understand the point and while I agree that JJJ and Hubbs didn’t live up to the rankings individually and were overrated they both gave us 4 years, which deserves alot of credit. I got on JJJ as much as anyone but he helped create culture and develop the program. Kennedy helped us get a SEC tournament trophy including an epic game against Kentucky but the others while providing some moments didn’t move the needle that much. Heck Vescovi has been a more valuable contributor than all those 5 stars and he may even give us another year.

I think it will come out later that Santi’s shoulder impacted his shooting more than he led on. Hopefully he will come back healthy as he is definitely is a crowd favorite who gives his all.

 

[cncchris33]

Per On3 he’s the #55 player in the portal, ahead of, to name a few…
Dontrez Styles, Dante Harris , Denver Jones, El Ellis, Adam Miller, Primo Spears, Caleb Mills, Skyy Clark, Dayvion McKnight and a ton more. Many of these are names folks on this board said they wanted or would be excited to add, yet adding a player ranked above them and very likely as a walk on doesn’t move the needle at all?

I don't put a lot of stock in the portal rankings, but the Gainey hate for a kid willing to likely walk-on is beyond stupid.

 

[Namorto1]

Am I the only one that prefers Ledlum to Knecht? Seems like we have a decent amount of guys that are off ball guards. Mashack can play the three and I imagine Santi even plays there a good bit with Z and Dillione. Who is the 4? I dont want Aidoo and Awaka sharing the court often. JJJ and JP are likely gone. Ledlum can slide into that 4 spot, can score, better passer from what I've seen than his stats would suggest, can defend a bit. Played in a better conference than Knecht. I get Knecht can shoot threes but it seems to me with Scov back they are similar players on offense. I'd take Ledlum over Knecht if we only got one

I think Ledlum may fit a bigger need with current roster makeup, especially if Vescovi returns, but Knecht has some game changer attributes. Obviously significant upgrade in competition, but he wasn’t surrounded by very good players either. Vescovi opens up the court for someone like Knecht who can score from all levels. Ledlum is versatile too but just not as accomplished from perimeter. He does provide some presence and muscle in the paint. Let’s get them both! It works.

You put Aidoo or Awaka at center and surround them with ZZ, Vescovi, Ledlum and Knecht, goodness that is a nice experienced lineup. Daresay a top 10 lineup. We would give up more pts but we would score more too. Dilione can play 3 positions as 6th man. Mashack can be your incoming defensive stopper. Gainey and Carr can be designated snipers and our young bigs, Estrella and C. Phillips can just fill roles in frontcourt. Still may have deficiency at backup PG but Edwards has a lot of time to improve in that area. Jefferson can be a pleasant surprise and could play a small 4 role perhaps. (Much like Armani Moore)

 

[Kas232323]

I think Ledlum may fit a bigger need with current roster makeup, especially if Vescovi returns, but Knecht has some game changer attributes. Obviously significant upgrade in competition, but he wasn’t surrounded by very good players either. Vescovi opens up the court for someone like Knecht who can score from all levels. Ledlum is versatile too but just not as accomplished from perimeter. He does provide some presence and muscle in the paint. Let’s get them both! It works.

You put Aidoo or Awaka at center and surround them with ZZ, Vescovi, Ledlum and Knecht, goodness that is a nice experienced lineup. Daresay a top 10 lineup. We would give up more pts but we would score more too. Dilione can play 3 positions as 6th man. Mashack can be your incoming defensive stopper. Gainey and Carr can be designated snipers and our young bigs, Estrella and C. Phillips can just fill roles in frontcourt. Still may have deficiency at backup PG but Edwards has a lot of time to improve in that area. Jefferson can be a pleasant surprise and could play a small 4 role perhaps. (Much like Armani Moore)

Mashack’s offensive game will take another big step. Don’t underestimate him….. he may very well start….

 

[Namorto1]

Mashack’s offensive game will take another big step. Don’t underestimate him….. he may very well start….

Yep Mashack has some Josh Richardson qualities in him. Richardson was a lockdown defender who developed a high level midrange shot off the dribble over 4 years. Mashack will not be Josh R level but he can be his little carbon copy. Can play 3 positions, but he wouldn’t start above Vescovi and really doubt above Knecht. We get lucky and land Ledlum and Knecht, we very may play a lot of 4 guard lineups at times. That would be different for Barnes.

 

[Dougie_D]

Honestly I want to see what BJE , Dilionne, Jefferson do compared to Gainey. People might be upset if we give Gainey a scholarship and not walk-on preferred.. but what if he out plays them, out scores them, more productive, etc.. then what? Maybe it’s too early to sayhe should only be walk on

 

[Dougie_D]

Yep Mashack has some Josh Richardson qualities in him. Richardson was a lockdown defender who developed a high level midrange shot off the dribble over 4 years. Mashack will not be Josh R level but he can be his little carbon copy. Can play 3 positions, but he wouldn’t start above Vescovi and really doubt above Knecht. We get lucky and land Ledlum and Knecht, we very may play a lot of 4 guard lineups at times. That would be different for Barnes.

There’s a part of me that feels like TN would prefer Phillips to go to NBA. I think Mashack excels as the 3 spot and so does Phillips. We beat Alabama without JJJ and Philips. Adding a true 4 player like Ledlum/Knecht is ideal. People here say that Phillips would play the 4... but when did he actually play the 4 last season? Like maybe 10 minutes? Phillips and Mashack rotated out majority of times. If I was Barnes you still try to get Mashack as much minutes as you can.
Alabama starting 5:
1 ZZ
2. Santi
3. Mashack
4. ON
5. Aidoo

 

[CNeagleVolFan]

Yesterday was a great day! One of the best players we’ve had in recent memory committed to one more season. He’s also a dead eye 3 point shooter! Then we got Jordan Gainey who I think is a very undervalued pickup. I know he is drawing comparisons to Key, but he has length and speed that Key did not have. He also can shoot the lights out on a given night. Yesterday was a solid day for Tennessee basketball. We have a core roster in Vescovi, ZZ, Mashack, Awaka, and Aidoo. That may be our starting 5 if ZZ is healthy enough, and with the depth on our bench I feel pretty good about this team. I also am thinking that we land one of Ledlum or Knecht. I don’t know which one, but I feel good about it. That is if Phillips leaves and opens up another spot, and if JJJ does in fact leave as well. It’s fair to be skeptical of a low major transfer, but let’s not judge too harshly too quickly. He may end up being our best one yet with the fact that he has 2 years left to play. Another year watching Vescovi drain 3s is also good with me. Maybe we have enough guys to run the point so he can just focus on his scoring.

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

Understand the point and while I agree that JJJ and Hubbs didn’t live up to the rankings individually and were overrated they both gave us 4 years, which deserves alot of credit. I got on JJJ as much as anyone but he helped create culture and develop the program. Kennedy helped us get a SEC tournament trophy including an epic game against Kentucky but the others while providing some moments didn’t move the needle that much. Heck Vescovi has been a more valuable contributor than all those 5 stars and he may even give us another year.

I agree KC was a huge factor in our SEC tourney win but JJJ was our statistical MVP for the last 15 games of that season and it's not even close.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

I agree KC was a huge factor in our SEC tourney win but JJJ was our statistical MVP for the last 15 games of that season and it's not even close.

JJJ: 13.9ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.1 bpg, 43.1% FG, 38.3% 3PT, 86.8% FT
Santi: 12.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.4 bpg, 39.7% FG, 43.4% 3PT, 85% FT
KC: 14.8ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.1 spg, 0.1 bpg, 50.3% FG, 46.6% 3PT, 55.6% FT

I mean, it's very close...JJJ had a huge run to end that season, but Santi/KC both were also on fire.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

JJJ: 13.9ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.1 bpg, 43.1% FG, 38.3% 3PT, 86.8% FT
Santi: 12.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.4 bpg, 39.7% FG, 43.4% 3PT, 85% FT
KC: 14.8ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.1 spg, 0.1 bpg, 50.3% FG, 46.6% 3PT, 55.6% FT

I mean, it's very close...JJJ had a huge run to end that season, but Santi/KC both were also on fire.

Sadly, that run is the last time he was healthy. He needs to recover off the court first. I wish him the best, and hope he gets to play professionally somewhere. Truly a solid young man, and great teammate.

 

[CAVPUT]

Agree. JJJ hasn’t lived up to 5-star status, but he’s been a great member of the team and solid contributor. Would be thrilled if most recruits wound up being like him.

Sans injuries I agree. Can't have him miss almost half the season and be gone for several games in a stretch. Need some consistency. That's the big concern I have with him coming back.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Sadly, that run is the last time he was healthy. He needs to recover off the court first. I wish him the best, and hope he gets to play professionally somewhere. Truly a solid young man, and great teammate.

Agreed. JJJ is the type of leader you want as a face of your program. It’s too bad it did not work out better on the court with his injury history, but he has been the quintessential ambassador.

 

[TrippieRedd]

I wonder if English has a spot for JJJ

 

[CAVPUT]

I wonder if English has a spot for JJJ

Hadn't thought about that connection. Interesting. I'd say yes. What I question with JJJ are his plans for his future. Does he want to continue playing basketball at the next level? No offense to him, but I don't see him in the NBA. Did he do enough to get a contract overseas or will the injuries close doors for him? It might be that he has to use his remaining season in college to show teams he's fully healthy. Or he could say that his body has had enough and he's going to start his life after basketball? Regardless, I just have to think his time at UT is at an end. Wish him well.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Thing is I'm not sure what JJJ's long term goal is, if he wanted to pursue more education and work to get into coaching I'd suggest he RS this season to get 100% healthy and then play in his 6th year (here or somewhere else). But if his goal is professional ball his best bet would be to head to the draft and see what happens.

 

[TrippieRedd]

You know, at least Tylor Perry will go to K-State. Weird that the schools he was prioritizing was 8 teams then he cut his list down to 4 with K-State. Unless Ole Miss and Beard give him the bag.

Edit: Calm down Mookie, was just randomly on Twitter and noticed it

 

[TheMookieMonster]

You know, at least Tylor Perry will go to K-State. Weird that the schools he was prioritizing was 8 teams then he cut his list down to 4 with K-State. Unless Ole Miss and Beard give him the bag.

Edit: Calm down Mookie, was just randomly on Twitter and noticed it

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Was told Dalton Knecht is shutting down his recruitment and will pick between Tennessee and Oregon. No more visits. Maybe a decision this week.

Also heard Chris Ledlum has shut down his recruitment after visiting Indiana, Tennessee and St. John’s. Decision could be coming this week as well.

Vols are going to Boston today to see Ledlum.

-VQ’s Grant Ramey

 

[D3Athlete]

Ramey said this morning:
Knecht shut down his recruitment, Oregon or Tennessee. Decision could come this week
Ledlum has shut his down too, Tennessee, Indiana, or st Johns.
Tennessee going to Boston to see ledlum today.

 

[Weezer]

-VQ’s Grant Ramey

When do we expect to hear JP's decision on draft or staying? Is there a timetable for that?

 

[TheMookieMonster]

-VQ’s Grant Ramey

Maybe I’ll be proven a fool, but you have to think Knecht shutting his recruitment down after our visit is a good sign on that front.

I feel the opposite about Ledlum. I feel you only go all the way to Boston as a last ditch Hail Mary to get him in the boat.