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The five guards that made up Tennessee basketball’s nine-player transfer class grabbed national attention. But coach Rick Barnes also found some complimentary pieces in the frontcourt that will be critical to improving upon last season’s third consecutive Elite Eight run.
Since scholarship limits were eliminated, the best teams college basketball are making use of extra roster spots by adding more talent further down their benches. Flashy transfer additions Juke Harris, Terrence Hill Jr., Jalen Haralson and others will be centerpieces, the Vols’ supporting cast will be critical to making another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
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Here are three new Vols flying under the radar that could make major contributions during the 2026-27 season.
Fermin played just four games for VCU last season, but blocked five shots in 28 combined minutes against Utah State and NC State, two teams who made the NCAA Tournament, before leaving the program due to a personal matter.
It was only a sample of what he is capable of across a larger sample size. The 6-foot-10 Fermin posted a block rate of 7.9% during his sophomore and junior seasons with the Rams, according to Barttorvik. He’s also averaged a 10.4% offensive rebounding rate across four seasons of college basketball and led the Atlantic 10 with a 13.3% offensive rebounding rate in league play during the 2024-25 season.
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Struggles with turnovers and consistent defensive rebounding will keep Fermin in a reserve role behind Jalen Washington, a late addition from the transfer portal. But Washington committed three or more fouls in half of his 36 appearances last season, and four or more in 12 games.
The Vols would certainly prefer for Washington, an excellent defender in his own right, to play 30 minutes or more per game. But his track record suggests foul trouble could be an issue, especially in SEC play, so there will likely be plenty of available minutes for a forward that can protect the rim.
But Fermin first has to get…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/three-underrated-tennessee-basketball-newcomers-090337889.html
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Publish date : 2026-08-19 09:03:00
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