Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Vols made a huge portal splash this week by landing Wake Forest Demon Deacons transfer guard Juke Harris.

Harris, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, was the top transfer player still available.

The North Carolina native averaged 21 points per game as a sophomore at Wake Forest last season.

Juke Harris drops quote about Tennessee that every future transfer player needs to hear before committing

Harris joined The Mike Keith Show on Thursday to discuss his decision to sign with Tennessee.

The former Demon Deacons standout mentioned that his relationship with Barnes from his high school recruitment was an important factor. Harris also pointed out that Tennessee’s player development was a big reason why he committed to the Volunteers.

“Another thing that he (Barnes) did that separated himself from everybody else is he came in and told me how good I was, but he also got on me about some stuff they can see that I need to work on,” said Harris. “Like turning my body more when I come off screen, turning my body facing the goal. Different things that I need to do on the defensive side, fighting over screens, making sure I’m closing out.

“So they showed me little stuff like that. And I seen some stuff that I needed to work on, that I didn’t even know, that they had seen. So I feel like I’ll be more of a complete player going into Tennessee next year.”

Development is fading to the background for many programs as coaches feel the pressure to win each year over building a sustainable program. But development is still incredibly important. It’s the only way players can reach their full potential and be the best versions of themselves.

The quote from Harris should send a message to future transfer players that Tennessee needs to be at the top of their list if their goal is to become a better basketball player instead of just looking for the biggest check.