The Tennessee Vols basketball team is gearing up for the 2024-25 season, and excitement is in the air as the first preseason practice commenced on Tuesday. With several key players from last year’s roster either departing or joining, fans are eager to see how this new lineup will shape up.
One standout moment from practice came from Ohio State transfer Felix Okpara, who made a striking statement with a thunderous dunk over a teammate while the cameras were rolling. This electrifying play showcased Okpara’s athleticism and skills, quickly drawing attention from coaches and fans alike.
👀OH MY!! New Tennessee big man Felix Okpara prides himself on being physical. Here's a perfect example from Day-1 of pre-season practice @wvlt @WVLTSports @Vol_Hoops pic.twitter.com/PnF8X94VMv
— Rick Russo (@wvltrick) September 24, 2024
Okpara’s addition is crucial for the Vols, especially following the departure of Jonas Aidoo, who transferred to Arkansas. Aidoo was known for his strong defensive presence and was named to the All-SEC team last season. However, he faced a tough outing in Tennessee’s 72-66 Elite Eight loss to Purdue, where he was benched in favor of J.P. Estrella. Now, the Vols are looking to Okpara to fill the gap and provide a formidable presence on both ends of the court.
In addition to Okpara, the Vols have bolstered their roster with other notable transfers, including Nashville native Chaz Lanier from North Florida, Igor Milicic, Jr. from Charlotte, and Darlinstone Dubar from Hofstra. These new additions bring a blend of talent and depth that could be vital for the team’s success this season.
Tennessee will kick off their 2024 campaign with an exhibition game against the Indiana Hoosiers at home on October 27, followed by the regular season opener against Gardner Webb on November 4. Fans are eagerly anticipating how these changes will translate into performance on the court.
