Tennessee secures visit from 6-foot-11 defensive weapon, frontcourt target to pair with Miles Rubin

The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball fell short in their third consecutive Elite Eight appearance, leaving a sour taste for many. Head coach Rick Barnes has made it a priority to build a roster capable of getting over that hump. Tennessee has also committed additional NIL resources to strengthen the program.

“Tennessee basketball is on track to be among the elite in NIL spending next season. On3’s Pete Nakos on Thursday reported the Vols are one of a handful of teams set to spend $10 million or more in NIL for its roster next season,” VolQuest’s Grant Ramey wrote.

The Vols have landed some of the biggest names in the transfer portal at their respective positions, but they still have a clear need in one area: center.

“Harris is the biggest fish left but the biggest positional need is on the inside where Tennessee needs to add another rim protecting big man to go along with Loyola (Chicago) transfer Miles Rubin and DeWayne Brown,” Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert wrote.

Barnes and his staff will welcome Johan Munch, a big man from Oregon State Beavers men's basketball, to campus Friday in hopes of securing a commitment.

“Barnes is getting Tennessee involved with a 6-foot-11 big man from Denmark. The Vols are hosting former Oregon State Center Johan Munch next Friday after he visits SMU. Last year, he averaged 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. This is a big addition for Tennessee, both figuratively and literally. At 6-foot-11, 220 pounds, Munch fits exactly what Rick Barnes looks for: physical rebounding and great defense. He’s not a huge offensive threat, but he can finish at the rim and draw fouls consistently. It looks like the biggest threat for Munch is SMU right now, which Tennessee shouldn't have trouble holding off. If they can land Munch, it would be a very good addition. I don't think he will break the bank, and he will do what the Vols need out of a center,” All For Tennessee’s Conner Linser wrote.

Landing Munch would be a major boost for the Vols, giving them two rim protectors alongside Miles Rubin. Barnes has consistently prioritized defensive big men, and this pairing would reinforce that identity.

The Volunteers are assembling what could be one of the best teams in program history. There is little doubt Barnes is going all-in, and adding Munch would bring another important dimension to the roster.