The last two days were a major success for the Tennessee basketball program, as Rick Barnes’ player development reached another historic milestone with his ability to put players in the NBA. Tennessee had Nate Ament, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, and Felix Okpara all selected in the NBA Draft, making it six straight seasons that a Vol has been drafted.
Rick Barnes hints at potential DeWayne Brown breakout season for Tennessee
Looking at the bigger picture, it’s never too early to look ahead at what might be in store for Tennessee’s 2027 draft class, and CBS Sports believes the Vols could have another first-round pick on their hands.
Adam Finkelstein released his way-too-early 2027 NBA Mock Draft, and it featured Tennessee wing Juke Harris. Finkelstein projected Harris as a late first-round pick, going No. 24 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Finkelstein said, "Harris was one of the biggest sophomore risers in the country this year at Wake, and he earned an NIL payday because of it. If the big wing can maintain his scoring prowess, improve his efficiency, and benefit from Rick Barnes' defensive emphasis, he'll be a first-round pick."
Juke Harris is a projected first rounder in 2027
Honestly, I’m not shocked by this at all. Harris has a strong skill set, and with his ability to score, you have to think that his worst-case scenario is still being a valuable scorer off an NBA team’s second unit. It’s rare to find a player with his combination of size, agility, and scoring ability at all three levels.
Like Finkelstein mentioned, Harris does need to improve defensively. He’s not a liability on that end of the floor, but it’s not the part of his game that stands out the most. That’s one reason why he and Tennessee feel like such a perfect fit.
Tennessee gets a big-time scorer who is comfortable with the ball in his hands. Barnes gets a player he can help take from good to great and turn into a more complete player. Harris will likely be the No. 1 option next year at Tennessee, even with all the talent the Vols brought in this offseason.
Who else could rise for the Vols this year?
Zooming out to the rest of the roster, Jalen Haralson is another player who could make appearances in future NBA mock drafts. He is a 6-foot-7 wing with a strong two-way game. The biggest concern in his game is his jump shot, which is still a work in progress. However, he has a knack for getting to his spots and finishing in the paint. If he can develop into a more complete offensive player, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him rise on draft boards. The former McDonald's All-American averaged over 16 points as a freshman at Notre Dame last season.
Ultimately, with Barnes’ ability to develop players and take their games to another level, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all for Tennessee to have multiple first-round picks next year. The 2027 season could be one of the biggest years ever for the Tennessee basketball program.
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