Tennessee Vols suffering a transfer portal loss at a crucial area that’s getting thinner
In today’s college sports world, the transfer portal giveth, and the portal taketh away. Regarding the Tennessee basketball program on Friday afternoon, it’s the latter that’s applicable here. According to On3 Sports’ Joe Tipton, Tennessee forward Cade Phillips is entering the transfer portal. Tennessee forward Cade Phillips entering transfer portal Phillips appeared in the first […]
In today’s college sports world, the transfer portal giveth, and the portal taketh away. Regarding the Tennessee basketball program on Friday afternoon, it’s the latter that’s applicable here.
According to On3 Sports’ Joe Tipton, Tennessee forward Cade Phillips is entering the transfer portal.
Tennessee forward Cade Phillips entering transfer portal
Phillips appeared in the first 10 games of the season for the Vols, with nine starts. His last appearance came against Illinois back on December 6. He would have to undergo shoulder surgery that cost him the rest of the season.
It’s not ideal as far as roster construction for Rick Barnes and the Vols going into next season. Phillips handled a key role coming off the bench in 2024-25, appearing in all 38 games with an average of 15 minutes per game with 4.6 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game.
Tennessee was already going to have to find a rim protector to replace losing Felix Okpara, and they will have pristine options, with players like Kansas center Flory Bidunga and Georgia center Somto Cyril in the portal, among others. Now, they’ll have to find a way to add to the depth in the frontcourt with Phillips also heading out of town.
Fortunately, they got solid contributions from a pair of physical bigs in the form of DeWayne Brown II and Jaylen Carey, both of whom are eligible to return next season as a freshman and junior, respectively. As such, while the room has gotten smaller, there’s still talent in the cupboard.
The NCAA transfer portal for college basketball officially opens on Tuesday, April 7.
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