Rick Barnes and Tennesee basketball continue to win through the portal as the Vols add another piece for the 2024-25 season. The most recent player to commit to Tennessee through the transfer portal is four-star center Felix Okpara from Ohio State.
The 6-foot-11 sophomore is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, so he's moving back home after two years with the Buckeyes. He started 34 out of 35 games last season and averaged 6.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in his two years at Ohio State. He will look to replace Jonas Aidoo in the Vols' starting lineup.
Last season was much improved from his freshman year, where he improved in virtually every statistical category and became a key component in Ohio State's lineup. There aren't too many highly-rated centers in the transfer portal this cycle, so Tennessee had to prioritize bringing in a big man who can protect the rim and bring the physicality expected every night.
“Felix is an elite shot blocker, high-level defender, and terrific rebounder," Barnes said after Okpara's commitment. "He possesses the ability to score in the low post, as well as play on the perimeter. A mobile athlete with excellent length who creates space offensively, Felix is a constant threat to get to the rim for a lob. We will do everything we can to help him further develop all aspects of his game.”
Okpara is the second player to commit to Tennessee through the portal, joining four-star forward Darlinstone Dubar. He will also join sophomore JP Estrella as the other big man on Tennessee's roster. Okpara's addition will keep competition at a maximum in that position, and that will help Okpara and Estrella continue to develop their game as young players.
He doesn't follow the "offensive threat" mold Barnes and company have been targeting throughout this portal cycle but provides much-needed size and defensive presence in the paint that will be pivotal for Tennessee if they want to return to the Elite Eight next season.
The Vols are still waiting to see where forwards Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka will land after entering the portal earlier this month. The portal closes at the end of April, so there's still time to see how things shake out for the Vols and bring in a couple more key pieces to compete for another SEC Championship.