Another option for the final roster spot.
Tennessee continues to search for a fit for their final open scholarship spot. On Monday, they hosted another potential option. It was another guard, which makes sense considering Tennessee’s lone remaining need.
Former Dartmouth guard Ryan Cornish was on campus Monday, according to On3 Sports. The 6-3 shooting guard is a grad transfer with one season of eligibility remaining. Cornish averaged 17.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season in the Ivy League on his way to being named first-team All-Conference.
Cornish shot 41.3 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three-point range last season. That would fill an obvious need for Rick Barnes, who could use another veteran presence in the backcourt. Tennessee has added point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and shooting guard Amaree Abram so far at guard. Outside of that, the Vols will be leaning on second-year player Bishop Boswell and freshmen guards Clarence Massamba, Amari Evans and Troy Henderson. Five-star prep wing/forward Nate Ament will also help.
Still, with one spot left, it’s logical to get another guard — preferably a reliable shooter — on this roster. Tennessee has also been in contact with veteran guard Desmond Claude, who is transferring from USC.
Tennessee is set in the frontcourt with Felix Okpara, Cade Phillips and JP Estrella returning. Barnes bolstered that even further by adding former Vanderbilt forward Jaylen Carey right after the portal opened.
Barnes has typically been very selective with his final roster spot, keeping it open just in case a late prospect comes across his desk. But with Cornish, Barnes would likely be very open to adding one of the top remaining names in the portal.