Breaking News: Am leaving Tobe Awaka sign a four years Contract with…
Tennessee basketball big man Tobe Awaka intends to enter the transfer portal, he announced on his Instagram on Tuesday.
Awaka, a 6-foot-8 and 250-pounder, becomes the third Vol to enter the transfer portal. He joins Freddie Dilione V and D.J. Jefferson as Vols who intend to enter the transfer portal.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Awaka averaged 13 minutes per game and 5.1 points per game. He also grabbed 4.6 rebounds per game. He hit his stride down the stretch for Tennessee.
Awaka played a major role in getting Tennessee to the Sweet 16 and then competing with Purdue’s Zach Edey in the Elite Eight. His physicality is what got him playing time and made him effective in the post.
“I think it’s just trying to play my brand to basketball but still be cognizant of sort of how aggressive I am,” Awaka said after the Sweet 16 win. “Obviously, I picked up a few wild ones today, but I tried my best not to let that affect my game. I feel like when I’m playing my brand of basketball, playing aggressive, I feel like I’m helping my team the most.”
Awaka also played well against Creighton to earn a trip to the Elite Eight. He chipped in 21 minutes against the Bluejays, adding five rebounds and five points while being a physical presence on the defensive end.
“He’s damn near the strongest big man in the country,” center Jonas Aidoo said. “I mean, as you can see, he’s getting fouls. He don’t even know he’s pushing people to the ground. I mean, just like that little force right there, those things just make a huge impact on the game.”
The Hyde Park, New York, product leaves Tennessee with just Aidoo and upcoming sophomore J.P. Estrella in the post room. Upcoming sophomore Cade Phillips is also in the post room and could take a bigger role during the 2024-25 season.
