Former Tennessee basketball player slams down unreal posterizer dunk

Former Tennessee basketball player Tobe Awaka had his coming out game for Arizona on Saturday night. The former Vols forward surprisingly transferred out of Tennessee at the end of the 2024 basketball season, surprising fans across Vol Nation. 

Despite him leaving, which has just become the reality of college athletics, he is still dominating around the rim for the Arizona Wildcats, providing his new team with a unique dynamic at the rim that Tennessee loved during his time on Rocky Top. 

Some Arizona fans called Saturday's win a "coming out game" for Awaka, as he posterized a defender in the first half, immediately creating a powerful highlight. 

Fans and networks immediately noticed the dunk, including March Madness' X account. Awaka finished the game with 11 points, shooting five-for-seven from the field and reminding everyone why he's a valuable player for Arizona. 

Tennessee fans also took notice, unfortunately reminding the Vols what they have been missing since he left the program. While the Vols don't need Awaka, some fans admitted that Tennessee could still use him, and I think everyone knows that to be true.

He would definitely play a large role in this year's team. His physicality in the paint is unmatched and would add another strong body around the rim for Tennessee to reemphasize the type of play Barnes is looking for, specifically on defense.

Awaka is averaging 7.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists on 58% shooting this year for Arizona. His poster dunk could be the first of several highlights he puts together throughout the season. 

Based on ESPN's bracketology, Tennessee and Arizona are projected to meet in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee is the No. 1 seed, and Arizona is the No. 8 seed in the Midwest region. If both teams win their first-round games, they will meet in round two.