Tobe Awaka decides to join the transfer portal, departing from the Tennessee basketball team.

Tennessee forward Tobe Awaka experienced significant growth during his two seasons with the Volunteers, becoming a key contributor to their lineup, especially during the NCAA Tournament. He and forward Jonas Aidoo provided the team with versatility to match up against top-tier big men in the country, contributing to the team’s overall success.

Last summer, Awaka represented Team USA at the Fiba U19 World Cup, where he started in six out of seven games and led the tournament in double-doubles. His performance, averaging 11.6 points per game, showcased his potential and boosted his confidence after the experience in Hungary.

Despite the potential breakthrough, Awaka has decided to part ways with the Tennessee Volunteers. He announced his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal to utilize his final two seasons of eligibility. Awaka’s departure leaves a void for the Vols, as he averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 2023, and the team now faces the challenge of filling five scholarship spots in the offseason. Head coach Rick Barnes faces a significant challenge in reshaping the roster, with Awaka’s departure adding to the complexity of the task.