Tennessee basketball faces major shakeup as freshman point guard BJ Edwards enters transfer portal.
Tennessee basketball’s BJ Edwards was a highly touted 4-star prospect coming out of high school but struggled to find his footing in his first year with the Vols. He averaged just 1.2 points and 0.6 rebounds per game in limited playing time and saw his role diminish as the season went on.
BJ Edwards Enters Transfer Portal
The news of Edwards’ transfer comes as a surprise to many fans, who had high hopes for the young point guard. But head coach Rick Barnes has expressed confidence in the rest of the team’s backcourt and says that he’s already looking at potential replacements for Edwards.
One player who will step up in Edwards’ absence is sophomore guard Zakai Zeigler. Zeigler had a breakout season in 2023, averaging 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He’s known for his athleticism and ability to create his own shot and could be a key player for the Vols in the coming years.
In addition to Edwards’ departure, the Vols are also dealing with the loss of senior forward Josiah-Jordan James, who graduated this spring. James was a key contributor to the team over the past four years, and his leadership and experience will be missed.
Despite these setbacks, the Vols are still expected to be a competitive team in the SEC next season. They return several key players, including sophomore guard Jahmai Mashack, senior guard Santiago Vescovi, and sophomore guard Zakai Zeigler. And with Barnes at the helm, the team is sure to continue its tradition of hard-nosed defense and disciplined play.
Stay tuned for more updates on Tennessee basketball as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
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