Who is Tennessee basketball targeting in the transfer portal? Igor Milicic Jr. is the most recent prospect to visit.
Tennessee basketball secured its first commitment from the transfer portal on Monday and is actively hosting another potential recruit on Tuesday as the offseason roster continues to evolve rapidly.
The Vols are currently hosting forward Igor Milicic Jr. on Tuesday, following the recent commitment from former Hofstra guard Darlinstone Dubar.
Here’s the latest update on Tennessee’s recruitment efforts in the transfer portal as Coach Rick Barnes enters his 10th season:
Igor Milicic Jr. Visiting Tennessee Basketball
Milicic marks the third visitor for the Vols this offseason. The 6-foot-10 forward posted impressive stats during his junior season at Charlotte, averaging 12.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He showcased strong shooting skills, hitting 37.6% from beyond the arc and sinking 56 three-pointers, a performance that would have ranked third on Tennessee’s team last season. Milicic earned third-team All-AAC honors for his contributions.
Milicic began his collegiate career at Virginia before transferring to Charlotte, where he started 52 games over the past two seasons.
In the transfer portal, Tennessee basketball is actively pursuing several prospects. Belmont guard Cade Tyson recently visited Tennessee alongside Dubar. Tyson, a 6-foot-7 guard, averaged 16.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while boasting an impressive 46.5% three-point shooting rate during his sophomore season. He ranked second in the nation in three-point shooting percentage and holds a career 44.6% mark from beyond the arc.
Another target for UT is Ohio State guard Roddy Gayle Jr. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds, Gayle averaged 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Although his career three-point shooting percentage is 33.1%, he shot 42.9% from long range during his freshman year. Efforts are underway to bring Gayle in for a visit.
Regarding available scholarships, Tennessee currently has five remaining after offseason departures. Three scholarships opened up due to departing seniors, while four more became available with players entering the transfer portal.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, the Vols will rely on returning guards Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack, who are known for their defensive prowess. Zeigler, in particular, earned first-team All-SEC honors and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season. Additionally, Jordan Gainey returns as a key shooter after showcasing his abilities on both ends of the court following his transfer from USC Upstate.
Tennessee also boasts a promising sophomore class featuring guard Cameron Carr and forwards J.P. Estrella and Cade Phillips. Carr exhibits significant offensive talent, while Estrella has demonstrated prowess as a post player, especially in late-season performances.
Furthermore, the Vols have secured one incoming high school signee in four-star guard Bishop Boswell from Myers Park in Charlotte, North Carolina.
