Tennessee basketball reportedly lands visit with elite shot blocker to pair with Miles Rubin originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tennessee Volunteers and head coach Rick Barnes have been on a roll this transfer portal season with the moves they’ve made. Tennessee has already landed some of the top players in the portal and still has an opportunity to add more. While the Vols continue to pursue Juke Harris, their biggest need right now is adding another big man.
“Harris is the biggest fish left but the biggest 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.
The Vols are set to host Johan Munch later this week.
“Barnes is getting Tennessee involved with a 6-foot-11 big man from Denmark. The Vols are hosting former Oregon State Center Johan Munch next Friday after he visits SMU. Last year, he averaged 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. This is a big addition for Tennessee, both figuratively and literally. At 6-foot-11, 220 pounds, Munch fits exactly what Rick Barnes looks for: physical rebounding and great defense,” All For Tennessee’s Conner Linsner wrote.
It has also been reported that the Vols will host Kent State transfer Braeden Lue, who brings strong rim-protection ability.
“Per 247Sports, Tennessee is hosting 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward Braeden Lue on a visit. The former Kennesaw State big man averaged 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks a game last season while shooting 45.2% from the field. He’ll have two years of eligibility remaining, making him a potential frontcourt piece with future upside. Where Lue Shines is on the defensive end of the floor. Last season, Lue was in the 91st percentile in block rate, showing off his impressive rim protection skills,” Linsner wrote.
Tennessee could have its frontcourt largely settled by the end of the week, as every visit this portal season has resulted in a commitment. Adding both players would give the Vols the size and defensive presence they are looking for.
Lue projects more as a forward, while Munch would likely serve as a center who can either back up Miles Rubin or play alongside him. Bringing in both would give Barnes significant lineup flexibility moving forward.