Who Will Rick Barnes Get To Fill The Final Spot?

When Rick Barnes took the job in March, Tennessee’s recruiting expectations sky rocketed.

The Volunteers hired a man that has produced 23 NBA draft picks and 13 first-round picks. He brought in the likes of Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and D.J. Augustine to the University of Texas. He has amassed 34 wins over top 10 teams, and has been to the NCAA tournament 22 times.

But you all already knew about his impressive resume, and just hope that he can live up the expectations that it presents. Barnes has been putting it to work since he was hired. Here is a recap of what has went on:

• Shortly after Barnes was hired prospects Admiral Schofield and Shembari Phillips stay committed to the Vols.
• A few days later in early April, Tariq Owens decided he would transfer up north to St. Johns University leaving the roster with an extra spot to fill.
• Almost a month later on April 28th, Barnes and staff picked up two big commitments from 3/4 star point guard Lamonte Turner and College of Southern Idaho big man Ray Kasongo.
• On May 5th, Willie Carmichael decides he will leave the program opening up another spot on the roster for Barnes to recruit.
• On May 7th, 6’10 Canadian prospect Kyle Alexander commits to the Vols leaving one spot available for the 2015-16 roster.

So who will fill the final spot? All signs seem to point to Ebuka Izundu.

Izundu is a three-star prospect who stands at  6’10 and 215 pounds out of Victory Christian Center School in Charlotte, N.C.

The Nigeria native signed a letter of intent to the Charlotte 49ers’, but was granted a release with the hiring of Mark Price. Current Vol assistant Desmond Oliver was the lead recruiter for Izundu, and the Vols are considered to be the favorite to land him.

Izundu has a high ceiling considering he has only been playing basketball for a couple years, and other schools are starting to recognize this. He has garnered interest from Miami, Arkansas, Texas Tech, and even a visit from Kansas assistant Norm Roberts.

Izundu is believed to be making his announcement on May 15th, and unless the staff turns him down, it looks like the front court will continue to grow for the Vols.

However, if Coach Barnes decides to go another direction he might be looking at a guy like Tookie Brown who is a former Mississippi State commit. The 5’11 guard is a three-star prospect that would provide another option at the point guard position.

It is still uncertain the direction Barnes is looking to take for the final spot on the roster, but the hot name is Ebuka Izundu, and expect some clarification in the coming weeks.