Former Tennessee basketball recruit Felix Okpara could be targeted again by the Vols.
Okpala, who spent part of his high school career at Chattanooga, entered the transfer portal on Sunday after two seasons at Ohio State. The Vols scouted the former four-star prospect before signing with the Buckeyes.
The 6-11, 235-pound Okpara averaged 5.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 70 games over two seasons at OSU. He started 45 games and established himself as a starting forward as a sophomore. He averaged 6.6 points and 6.4 rebounds, and blocked 82 shots.
Why Felix Okpara makes sense for Tennessee basketball in the transfer portal
Tennessee has an opening at forward as its top two players, rising senior Jonas Aidoo and rising junior Tobe Awaka, enter the portal. The Vols have a lot of faith in the prospects of rising sophomore forwards JP Estrella and Cade Phillips, but the veteran presence will be a plus for UT this season.
Okpara might be that. He is a five-man shot blocker and could replace Aidoo on the defensive end. He is also an excellent rebounder and will strengthen UT in that regard as well. Vols coach Rick Barnes isn't opposed to Awaka's return, but hinted Thursday that the Vols can't just wait around.
Okpara played at Hamilton Heights in Chattanooga and spent his final year of prep at Link Academy in Branson, Missouri. He was teammates at Link Academy with current Vols guard Cameron Carr and former UT forward Julian Phillips.
Okpara was the No. 66 recruit in the nation in the 247Sports Composite in the 2022 class.
Who did the Tennessee basketball players sign in the transfer portal?
Tennessee added Hofstra guard Darinstone Duvar as its first transfer portal recruit.
Duver averaged 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and shot 39.9 percent from 3-point range as a senior at Hofstra last season. The 6-foot-8, 211-pound guard was named to the All-Coastal Athletic Association second team.
Tennessee welcomes Belmont guard Cade Tyson and Charlotte forward Igor Milicic Jr. for a visit.
How many open scholarships does Tennessee Basketball have?
Tennessee has five scholarships remaining after attrition in the offseason.
The Vols had three scholarships available due to the departure of seniors Josiah-Jordan James, Dalton Knecht and Santiago Vescovi. Aidoo, Awaka, redshirt freshman guard Freddie Dilione V and DJ Jefferson entered the portal, and four more opened.
Tennessee Basketball Roster for 2024-25 Season
The Vols return a core pair of guards Zakai Zeigler and Jamai Masiak. These two rising seniors are two of the best defensive guards in the country. Zeigler was first-team All-SEC last season and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
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Jordan Gainey returns as a vital shooter who has proven he can play on both ends of the court after transferring from USC Upstate.
Tennessee has promising sophomores in guard Cameron Carr and forwards Estrella and Phillips. Carr has great offensive talent, and Estrella is a talented post player who stepped into a role late in the season.
The Vols have one high school recruit, Bishop Boswell, a four-star guard from Myers Park in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mike Wilson covers the University of Tennessee athletics department. Email michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow us on Twitter @.Posted by Mike Wilson. If you like Mike's coverage, consider subscribing to him digitally for full access.