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Tennessee basketball: Justin Powell a top 30 2021 transfer, multiple outlets say

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 27, 2020; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Justin Powell (24) makes a three point basket over Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) during the first half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2020; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Justin Powell (24) makes a three point basket over Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) during the first half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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He’s only a sophomore and was only a three-star recruit in 2020 out of North Oldham High School in Goshen, Ky. while only playing 10 games in the 2020-2021 season before suffering a season-ending injury. However, new Tennessee basketball guard Justin Powell is getting some way-too-early 2021-2022 love.

Powell came in at No. 27 on a list of the top committed college basketball transfers by David Cobb of CBS Sports. He came in at No. 23 in on a list of top 100 transfers by Jeff Borzello of ESPN. Now, those rankings could change as more transfers commit, since this only deals with committed transfers, but it’s still pretty impressive for Powell.

At 6’6″ 205 pounds, the combo guard with size joins Scottie Hopson, Chris Lofton and Allan Houston as elite scorers from Kentucky on Rocky Top. He joins Lofton and Houston as sharpshooters from the Bluegrass state and Lofton as a three-star sharpshooter from there.

Both writers had numerous people ahead of Powell that Tennessee basketball whiffed on such as North Carolina Tar Heels transfer Walker Kessler, who ironically joined Auburn. However, they were still high on Powell. Here’s what they wrote about him.

"Powell played just 10 games as a freshman at Auburn before a concussion ended his season. But the former three-star prospect looked like a budding star at times as he shot 44.2% from 3-point range while also collecting 6.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He should have no problem carving out a role at Tennessee.David Cobb, CBS Sports"

"Before getting hurt in early January, Powell was one of the more surprising freshmen in the country. He was handling playmaking duties for the Tigers while also making shots and scoring. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 44.2% from 3.Jeff Borzello, ESPN"

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Given what UT did on the recruiting trail, Powell turned out to be the best transfer they could have add. Four-star center Jonas Aidoo combined with the return of John Fulkerson meant they didn’t need to add Kessler.

Also, certain fours that Rick Barnes targeted were lower on Cobb’s list. Furman Paladins transfer forward Noah Gurley, who spurned the Vols for the Alabama Crimson Tide, came in at No. 34 overall. When you consider the fact that Rocky Top added five-star power forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield in his place, Powell was definitely the more valuable pickup.

Although his health may be in question, the addition of Powell gives the Vols a collection of elite weapons outside. Somebody is going to be red-hot from the outside every night with Powell, Santiago Vescovi and Victor Bailey Jr. out there.

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By adding the elite post players he needed and keeping other key ones, Barnes’ only need was sharpshooting. Taking that into account, Powell should actually rank higher on this list when you analyze the types of needs he fills. Tennessee basketball could thrive immediately with him, especially if he returns to the court at 100 percent.

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