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With dwindling open roster spots for the 2026-27 season, Tennessee basketball again opted for experience in the transfer portal.
The Vols needed VCU forward Christian Fermin to add depth to the frontcourt to a potential national championship contender. Coach Rick Barnes also sought a strong voice in the locker room, and believed he found it in Fermin.
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“We are happy to welcome Christian to the Tennessee basketball family,” Barnes said in a school release on May 18. “He is a special young man who is battle-tested on the court and is a proven winner. Christian possesses natural leadership skills and can light up any room with his energy and enthusiasm.”
Fermin played three seasons of college basketball at VCU, and shared plenty of time with another Tennessee transfer, Terrence Hill Jr. He joins Belmont guard Tyler Lundblade, Cal guard Dai Dai Ames and Loyola (Chicago) center Miles Rubin as players with only one remaining season of eligibility. Fermin played in two Atlantic 10 conference championship games logged two appearances in the Men’s NCAA Tournament.
He only played four games last season due to a personal matter. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 4.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, and shot 54.4% from the floor.
“He will really fit our culture as a person, in addition to bringing the size, length and defensive versatility we were searching for, ” Barnes said. “Christian has shown the impact he can make as a shot blocker, but he also has a unique blend of skill and feel offensively. We are confident he will quickly adapt to our style of play at both ends of the floor.”
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The Vols have 14 of 15 scholarship roster spots filled after signing Fermin, who enters the frontcourt room along with Rubin, Kennesaw State transfer Braedan Lue and returning forward DeWayne Brown II.
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: [email protected]
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Publish date : 2026-05-18 16:32:00
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