The writing was on the wall here.
After surprisingly hitting the transfer portal following the end of the season, Tobe Awaka has committed to Arizona. The 6-8 power forward seemingly wanted a starting role next season, but Jonas Aidoo was in his way in the rotation. However, after Aidoo entered the transfer portal too, there was some thought that Awaka could return to Knoxville.
That line of thinking seemingly went out the window when Tennessee added Ohio State center Felix Okpara last week.
Tennessee transfer Tobe Awaka has committed to Arizona, per his IG page.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 29, 2024
Awaka averaged 5.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore this season. He played just 13 minutes per game, which was a bit surprising after a strong summer playing for Team USA’s U19 team.
Tennessee discovered Awaka as a three-star prospect who barely ranked inside of the top 300 overall, according to 247Sports. He was initially thought of as a redshirt prospect, but his tenacious rebounding help him carve out an immediate role during the 2022-23 season. The New York native now heads to Arizona, where he will help fill the shoes of outgoing star center Oumar Ballo.
The Volunteers will now turn to Okpara in the post with both Aidoo and Awaka gone. Rising sophomore JP Estrella will see his role increase, while Cade Phillips will also be in the mix. Tennessee will also lean on 6-10 transfer forward Igor Milicic and 6-8 transfer Darlinstone Dubar to help fill that void.
Tennessee still has three roster spots to fill.