‘That’s the utmost respect I have’ — NBA Draft analyst tabs Tennessee player who could be a draft riser in 2027, and it’s not Juke Harris
The Vols could see multiple players drafted next year, if one player lives up to the lofty expectations one expert has for him.
Few coaches in college basketball have been as impressive as Rick Barnes at getting players into the NBA Draft over the last decade.
The Tennessee Vols are one of only three teams (Duke and Kentucky) to have 13 or more players selected in the draft over the last eight years. Tennessee had three players taken in the 2026 NBA Draft. Nate Ament went No. 13 overall to the Milwaukee Bucks. Ja’Kobi Gillespie (No. 42 overall to San Antonio) and Felix Okpara (No. 46 overall to Orlando; traded to Washington). Went in the second round.
So, who could continue that NBA Draft success in 2027 for Tennessee? It goes without saying that prized ex-Wake Forest star transfer Juke Harris is on the list. Harris has first round potential.
But who could be someone more off the radar who fights their way into the draft conversation? According to ESPN NBA Draft analyst Paul Biancardi on WNML on Monday, VCU transfer Terrence Hill, Jr. is a player to keep an eye on for Tennessee next season.
NBA Draft analyst Paul Biancardi mentions VCU transfer Terrence Hill, Jr. as a possible draft riser
“One guy who really impressed me a lot — in the NCAA Tournament, of course — but all year long was the transfer from VCU, Terrence Hill, Jr.,” Biancardi said. “I can’t get out of my mind what he did to North Carolina in the tournament.
“I mean, guys, I was sitting courtside, and I’m going, ok, alright, ok, this guy’s a killer. And when I say some guy is a killer, that’s the utmost respect that I have for a player. That means I don’t want to coach against them, and I want him on my team. He certainly has a chance.”
Hill had one of the performances of the 2026 NCAA Tournament for the Rams. In the opening round against UNC, he went off for 34 points in 40 minutes to help VCU erase a 19-point second half deficit and stun the Tar Heels 82-78 in overtime.
Hill had the shot of the game for VCU in overtime. Trailing 78-77 with the clock running down under 15 seconds, he stepped back and splashed home the go-ahead three pointer that carried the Rams to victory.
Tennessee undoubtedly has a couple of big shot makers next year in Harris and Hill, in addition to a number of other options. That’s certainly a good problem to have for Barnes.
But if Hill truly is a “killer” and ends up finding himself in the 2027 NBA Draft, it likely means that Tennessee had another very competitive postseason for the fourth year in a row. One that Vol fans finally hope means that first elusive trip to the Final Four.