That didn’t take long.
Just a few days after reversing course and deciding to transfer away from Ohio State, center Felix Okpara has decided on Tennessee. The 6-11 big man spent the last two days visiting with the Tennessee staff, and that was apparently enough for him to shut things down.
BREAKING: Ohio State transfer center Felix Okpara has committed to Tennessee, he tells @On3sports.
The 6-11 sophomore averaged 6.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game this past season. Former 4⭐️ recruit. https://t.co/ZxsWKEhOyH pic.twitter.com/RpHy9soH7w
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 25, 2024
Originally from Nigeria, Okpara played his high school ball in Chattanooga at Hamilton Heights before transferring to Link Academy in Branson, Missouri ahead of his senior season. Tennessee was in the mix for Okpara as a prep prospect, but he ultimately ended up in Columbus with the Buckeyes. Today he returns to the Volunteer state, where he will help replace the transferring Jonas Adioo.
Aidoo surprisingly hit the portal after Tennessee’s season ended in the Elite Eight. Going into his senior year, Aidoo was going to once again be a key piece of the Vols’ core. However, with NIL and perhaps some system restrictions, Aidoo opted to look elsewhere.
Tennessee moves forward now with Okpara, who gives up some on the offensive end but makes up for it defensively. Okpara averaged 2.4 blocks per game last season as a sophomore, while scoring six points and adding six rebounds. He shot 58 percent from the floor, mainly doing his scoring on lobs and putbacks. Okpara handled 23.5 minutes per game, appearing in 35 total games throughout last season.
Okpara joins JP Estrella and Cade Phillips in the frontcourt. Tobe Awaka remains in the transfer portal. The door had been open for Awaka to return to Tennessee, but it’s unclear how the addition of Okpara will change that situation.
Tennessee is also fighting to land Charlotte forward Igor Milicic, who could operate as a hybrid-4 type player. Belmont’s Cade Tyson is another small forward type option, and Tennessee may also be involved with North Florida transfer guard (and Nashville native) Chaz Lanier. The Volunteers have already landed 6-8 wing Darlinstone Dubar from Hofstra.
Okpara will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. Tennessee now has four open spots on the roster left to fill.