The final piece of the puzzle.
Tennessee’s search for the final piece of the roster is over. The Volunteers will officially add Israeli guard Ethan Burg after hosting him on a visit last week. The 22-year-old has two years of professional playing experience overseas.
Tennessee received word today that Burg has received clearance from the NCAA to join the Volunteers with multiple years of eligibility remaining, according to VolQuest.
Rick Barnes had one roster spot left and badly needed an experienced shooter to take some pressure off of his younger guards. Burg does just that, joining veterans Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Amaree Abram. Sophomore Bishop Boswell will also be a part of this equation. Freshmen Amari Evans, Clarence Massamba and Troy Henderson round out the new-look backcourt.
Burg shot 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range in the last two seasons playing professionally in Israel. He averaged 11 points and 2.9 assists per game. The 6-3 combo guard will now come to the states to begin his college career, providing the Tennessee staff with much-needed depth.
Tennessee is set to lean on senior point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and five-star, future NBA lottery pick Nate Ament at the wing. They’ll join a deep front court that features rim-protector Felix Okpara, Cade Phillips, JP Estrella and Vanderbilt transfer Jaylen Carey.
Assuming Ament can live up to the hype, this roster certainly looks like one that will make yet another run at the loaded SEC.