Tennessee basketball is in full-on recruiting mode with the 2024-25 season over and the spring transfer portal window open.
The Vols will have to replace almost all of their production from this past season, as six seniors, including four of their five starters, are leaving the program.
Rick Barnes and the Vols have their eyes set on a few players in the transfer portal to retool and revamp their roster, including one player who is looking to transfer out of a rival SEC program.
Tennessee is looking to rebuild its backcourt in the transfer portal, but its newest target resides in the frontcourt. Vanderbilt forward Jaylen Carey looks to be the Vols' newest target in the transfer portal.
The Davie, Florida, native held down the Center role for the Commodores last season but would likely be a three or four in Tennessee's lineup, with Felix Okpara and Cade Phillips likely returning as Tennessee's fives.
Carey averaged 8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this past season. He is limited, however, making shots around the perimeter challenging, but he would add some much-needed length to the lineup.
Playing against teams with length has proven challenging for Tennessee this past season, so adding another bigger body with SEC experience could benefit the Vols next season.
Barnes shouldn't have too much trouble selling Tennessee out of the transfer portal. He can point to Dalton Knecht and Chaz Lanier as success stories and possibly back-to-back first-round picks.
That should be an easy selling point for the Vols head coach: If you want to be an NBA first-round draft pick, come to Tennessee.
Tennessee, unfortunately, missed on Virginia transfer Isaac McKneely, who committed to Louisville, but the Vols still have several options out of the portal, including Maryland transfer Ja'Kobi Gillespie.
Barnes and the Vols have some time to craft their roster as players continue to enter the portal. Tennessee has done a good job bringing in players who fit the program rather than bringing in the most stars, and I would expect that to continue this year.