Awaka enters transfer portal following two seasons at UT
Tennessee’s first two exits to the NCAA transfer portal following its recent run to the Elite Eight were reserve guards who played sparingly.
The third departure was much more significant.
Tobe Awaka, a 6-foot-8, 250pound sophomore forward this past season and the most physical player on the Volunteers, announced Tuesday on social media that he was continuing his college career elsewhere. Awaka played in 35 of 36 games for the Southeastern Conference’s regular-season champions, averaging 13.0 minutes, 5.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest.
“The past two years have been some of the most influential of my life,” Awaka posted on Instagram. “The relationships gained and the experience I’ve had will be forever life-changing. I want to start by thanking Coach (Rick) Barnes, all of the assistant coaches, and the rest of the basketball staff for welcoming me with open arms and supporting me during my time at Rocky Top.
“I also want to thank my teammates — my brothers for life. It was a pleasure getting to know and going to war with you
all these past two years. Last but not least, thank you Vol Nation for being one of the best fan bases in the country.”
There were multiple games this past season in which Awaka helped provide a more physical
presence than 6-11, 240-pound starting forward Jonas Aidoo, but fouls were often a concern. Awaka fouled out of both games against Purdue as well as the loss at Mississippi State, and there were five other games in which he finished with four fouls.
His departure follows those made by redshirt freshman guards Freddie Dilione V and D.J. Jefferson. Dilione played in 18 games, averaging 5.2 minutes and 1.7 points per contest, while Jefferson’s three minutes in the opening win over Tennessee Tech served as his only action of the season.