Tennessee Basketball Eyes Transfer Portal to Bolster Guard Position Amid Departures….

As the Tennessee Volunteers gear up for the 2024-2025 college basketball season, the team faces significant roster turnover. With three key starters graduating, head coach Rick Barnes and his staff are actively scouring the transfer portal to find capable replacements, particularly in the guard position. The Volunteers are focused on adding experienced talent to maintain their competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Here, we examine five guards in the transfer portal who could be potential targets for Tennessee.

#### 1. **Tyler Perry – Kansas State**
Tyler Perry, a dynamic scorer and playmaker, spent the last season with Kansas State where he averaged 17.3 points and 4.1 assists per game. Perry’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate offense makes him a prime candidate for Tennessee, which is in need of a lead guard who can handle pressure and execute in crunch time. His experience and proven track record in a competitive conference like the Big 12 make him a valuable asset for any team looking to make a deep NCAA tournament run.

#### 2. **Jahvon Quinerly – Alabama**
Jahvon Quinerly is a seasoned point guard with a wealth of experience in the SEC, having played for Alabama. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.2 assists per game last season. Quinerly’s familiarity with SEC defenses and his ability to perform under high-stakes conditions would be a significant boon for Tennessee. His speed, ball-handling, and leadership qualities could help fill the void left by the departing seniors and provide the Volunteers with a steady hand to guide their offense.

3. **RayJ Dennis – Toledo**
RayJ Dennis has been a standout at Toledo, showcasing his scoring ability with an average of 19.5 points per game, along with 4.8 assists. His offensive versatility, including a reliable three-point shot and the ability to drive to the basket, makes him an attractive target. Dennis’s scoring prowess and playmaking skills could seamlessly integrate into Tennessee’s system, providing the offensive spark needed to compete at a high level.

#### 4. **Noah Fernandes – UMass**
Noah Fernandes from UMass is another potential target for the Volunteers. Fernandes averaged 15.4 points and 5.6 assists per game, demonstrating his dual-threat capability. His defensive tenacity and ability to pressure opposing guards would fit well with Tennessee’s defensive schemes. Additionally, his experience as a primary ball handler could help in orchestrating the Volunteers’ offense, especially in transition.

#### 5. **Kendric Davis – Memphis**
Kendric Davis, who played a crucial role at Memphis, is known for his scoring and leadership. Averaging 21.0 points and 4.4 assists per game, Davis has the ability to take over games with his offensive talent. His experience in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and his ability to perform against top-tier competition make him an ideal candidate for Tennessee. His scoring ability, coupled with his knack for clutch performances, would be invaluable for a team looking to remain competitive in the SEC.

### Conclusion
The Tennessee Volunteers are at a pivotal juncture, needing to replace significant production from graduating starters. The transfer portal offers a wealth of experienced guards who could step in and contribute immediately. Tyler Perry, Jahvon Quinerly, RayJ Dennis, Noah Fernandes, and Kendric Davis each bring unique skills and experiences that could help Tennessee maintain its status as a formidable force in college basketball. As the Volunteers navigate the offseason, securing one or more of these talented guards could be crucial for their success in the upcoming season.