Tennessee basketball's newest transfer brings efficiency and versatility to lineup

Tennessee basketball is upgrading its offense with efficiency and versatility with the addition of Igor Milicic Jr as the Vols round out its transfer class with two forwards and a center. Tennessee beat out Nebraska and Baylor to earn Milicic's commitment. 

Milicic originally committed and played for Virginia as a freshman before transferring to Charlotte for the past two seasons. He lit up the American Athletic Conference, playing as one of the best players in the conference. He averaged 12.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, shooting 49% and 38% from three-point range.

The 6-foot-10 forward is the size of a center and has the ball handling and shooting skills of a small forward or maybe even a shooting guard. The versatility and efficiency Milicic alone brings to Tennessee's lineup are an upgrade on the offensive end of the court. 

It will be interesting to see where Milicic fits in Tennessee's rotation in 2024-25. He will be a valuable addition to the Tennessee roster, whether he starts at the four position or comes off the bench. As a sixth man, he could relieve virtually anyone on the court at any time, which could benefit Rick Barnes and the Vols. 

Tennessee lost eight players this season to graduation and the transfer portal. That gave Barnes a lot of real estate to play with in terms of scholarships, and it was clear early this year that Barnes was targeting efficiency in the portal. 

The transfer portal has closed for new entries, but Barnes and the Vols could still target a few players before solidifying the 2024-25 roster. One player Tennessee is tied to is North Florida's Chaz Lanier, who is from Nashville and would bring another efficient shooter to Tennessee's lineup. 

Milicic joins Ohio State transfer Felix Okpara and Hofstra transfer Darlinstone Dubar as the third member of Tennessee's transfer class. That gives the Vols two forwards and a true center to work with next season.