Oh boy.
Jonas Aidoo is a hot commodity in the transfer portal right now, and another top program has reportedly reached out to the former Tennessee big man. It’s Kentucky — according to Kentucky Sports Radio.
Mark Pope has hit the ground running in Lexington, and he’s trying to potentially get some real momentum rolling by poaching a player from one of their top rivals.
NEW: Kentucky has contacted Tennessee transfer Jonas Aidoo, he tells @PolacheckKSR.
Aidoo averaged 11.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks during the 2023-24 season.
FREE: https://t.co/qRKwkYBb0y pic.twitter.com/xQjKCgUF4a
— KSR (@KSRonX) April 19, 2024
Aidoo surprisingly hit the portal following Tennessee’s season, still with one year left to play. He was set to once again start for the Volunteers next year, which makes his entry into the portal puzzling.
Rick Barnes admitted the move was a surprise on Thursday.
“Yeah, because he had told everybody he was fine,” Barnes said in an uncharacteristically short answer.
Aidoo is coming off of his best season yet. He played 24.7 minutes per game, averaging 11.4 points. Aidoo added 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. The 6-11, 242 pound center has also entered the NBA Draft, likely just to get feedback in preparation for next year.
Travis Branham at 247Sports has already logged a transfer portal prediction for Aidoo, paring him up with the Baylor Bears. We’ll see if Kentucky’s entry into this mix changes that.
Tennessee now obviously has a need in the post, with both Aidoo and Tobe Awaka entering the portal. Aidoo’s departure could open the door for Awaka to return, but the Volunteers will still likely need at least more body in the frontcourt regardless.