It feels like this entire offseason for Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball has been nothing but bad news. The Lady Vols have lost their entire roster, while the men’s team has seen key departures like Bishop Boswell, JP Estrella, Jaylen Carey, and several other young players that fans were excited about.
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No matter how you look at it, losing players stinks, but on ther bright side, we finally have some more good news for Tennessee this offseason. It's being reported by On3's Joe Tipton that 6-foot-8 freshman forward DeWayne Brown II will return to Tennessee next season. Brown started 10 games for the Vols and averaged 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds.
NEWS: Tennessee big man DeWayne Brown II will return to the Volunteers next season, he told @On3.https://t.co/Iw1ALPicHh pic.twitter.com/BF7hsjhlC1
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 7, 2026
DeWayne Brown II was a key piece for Tennessee
The numbers might suggest Brown was a below-average player, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The freshman forward was the glue that held everything together for Tennessee. He may not be the most talented scorer, but he brings an endless motor, boxing out, contesting shots, and diving for loose balls. Brown does all the little things that don’t show up in the box score, and that’s what makes him so valuable.
Looking at the bigger picture, in a year like next season, with a lot of new faces in Knoxville, Brown will provide a veteran presence even as a sophomore, as he embodies Tennesse basketball culture entirely. He will keep everything together and set an example of what Rick Barnes basketball is all about. If you aren't tough, you won't play.
Brown is just scratching the surface of his potential as well. If he can add some more offense to his game and even a jumper, he could be deadly. I don't think anyone expects him to ever become a true stretch four that is an elite scoring threat, but if Brown could give Tennessee 10 points a night, along with the other things he does well, Brown would be one of the most valuable players in the nation.
With Brown officially returning, all eyes now shift to Nate Ament. If Tennessee can get one more big decision to go its way, this offseason could start to feel a whole lot different.