Vol commitments Dewayne Brown & Amari Evans getting ready for their college basketball experience in Knoxville with the Vols. Both incoming freshmen are tough. 2025-2026 should be another great year for our team.

As the 2024-2025 college basketball season winds down, the excitement surrounding the University of Tennessee Volunteers basketball program only continues to build. With an eye on the future, the Vols have already secured the commitments of two highly touted incoming freshmen—Dewayne Brown and Amari Evans—who are set to join the team in Knoxville for the 2025-2026 season. Both players bring a wealth of talent and toughness that should make a significant impact on the court and elevate the Vols to new heights.

As the team gears up for another promising season, let’s dive into what these freshmen bring to the table, what the Vols’ roster may look like in 2025-2026, and what the off-season could hold for Tennessee basketball. With March on the horizon and another off-season waiting to unfold, it’s an exciting time for the Vols and their fans.

Dewayne Brown: A Dynamic Forward with Versatility

Dewayne Brown, a 6’7” forward, is widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the 2025 class. Known for his physicality, athleticism, and high basketball IQ, Brown brings a well-rounded game that can make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Throughout his high school career, Brown has showcased his ability to play both forward positions and even handle the ball in transition, making him a valuable asset to Tennessee’s system.

Brown’s versatility is perhaps his most valuable asset. He possesses a rare combination of size and skill, allowing him to be effective both in the paint and on the perimeter. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and drive to the basket with force will add a new dimension to the Vols’ offense. Furthermore, Brown’s defensive tenacity and length make him an ideal candidate to contribute on that side of the ball as well. Tennessee’s head coach Rick Barnes has built a reputation for emphasizing tough defense, and Brown’s ability to guard multiple positions will fit perfectly into Barnes’ system.

While his offensive game is already advanced, Brown’s ability to defend multiple positions is something that will likely make him a fixture in Tennessee’s rotation as a freshman. His toughness and tenacity will also be crucial in tight games, as Brown has proven he can take over in clutch moments.

The combination of Brown’s defensive prowess and offensive versatility will be key to the Vols’ success in the 2025-2026 season. As a freshman, he’ll likely step into a key role and could make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. With his competitive drive, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Brown become one of the more integral pieces of the Vols’ puzzle right away.

Amari Evans: A Scorer Who Can Light It Up

Amari Evans is another player who could have an immediate impact on the Tennessee basketball team. Standing at 6’4” and playing as a shooting guard, Evans brings scoring ability that will provide a much-needed spark for the Vols. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, Evans is capable of lighting it up from beyond the arc, but he can also drive to the basket and finish with authority. His ability to score in a variety of ways makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Evans has a natural scoring ability, having averaged over 20 points per game in his high school career, and he has demonstrated the ability to score at all three levels. Whether it’s shooting off the dribble, finishing at the rim, or knocking down shots from deep, Evans has shown that he can take over a game offensively. His outside shooting could be particularly valuable for the Vols, as it could stretch defenses and open up driving lanes for other players.

Beyond his scoring, Evans has proven to be an effective playmaker, using his quickness and court vision to set up teammates. His ability to play both on and off the ball will make him an ideal fit for Rick Barnes’ offense, which emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and player freedom. As a result, Evans should be able to slot into a starting role early in his career.

While his defense may need some refinement to fully adapt to the college level, Evans’ athleticism and effort on that end suggest he can make strides as a defender under Barnes’ tutelage. In a program that places a premium on defensive intensity, Evans will need to elevate that aspect of his game, but his natural talent and work ethic should allow him to make an impact sooner rather than later.

The 2025-2026 Vols Roster: Filling the Gaps

With the commitments of Brown and Evans, the Vols’ roster is shaping up to be both deep and talented for the 2025-2026 season. However, there are still questions to be answered, particularly in regard to the transfer portal and scholarship distribution.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Tennessee basketball in the off-season will be whether the Vols will look to add more players through the transfer portal. The NCAA’s transfer portal has become a key tool for college basketball teams, allowing programs to fill immediate needs with experienced players. Tennessee could look to add depth at certain positions, whether it’s in the backcourt or frontcourt, depending on how the roster shakes out after the 2024-2025 season.

Historically, Rick Barnes has been able to find solid transfers who can make an impact in Knoxville. The transfer portal has allowed the Vols to build their depth while also finding players who can fit their system and style of play. For instance, players like Santiago Vescovi and Zakai Zeigler have been pivotal for Tennessee in recent years, and the Vols will likely look for similar success stories in the portal in the upcoming off-season.

Another factor that will shape Tennessee’s roster in 2025-2026 is whether the Vols will leave any scholarship spots open. In recent years, Tennessee has opted to leave spots unfilled, allowing the coaching staff to be more flexible with the roster and leave room for late additions, either through the portal or from returning players. If the Vols do leave scholarships open, it could signal their confidence in the current roster or a desire to keep options open for late-season additions.

The Vols’ coaching staff will also have to consider the development of returning players. As much as the incoming freshmen will be key to the team’s success, the growth of the current players will be just as important. The 2025-2026 season could see significant development from returning players like Josiah-Jordan James, Julian Phillips, and others. The ability of these players to step into larger roles will play a crucial role in how successful Tennessee is that season.

Off-Season Expectations: Recruiting, the Transfer Portal, and Roster Building

The off-season for Tennessee basketball will be filled with intrigue and anticipation. Along with recruiting and potential transfers, the team will likely focus on individual player development. As is always the case, much of the success of a program is dictated by how players improve during the off-season. For the Vols, this could be especially important as they look to build upon their solid foundation and turn the corner into the 2025-2026 season.

One key area for improvement will be shooting consistency. Although Tennessee has been known for its tough defense under Rick Barnes, improving offensive efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, will be crucial. Amari Evans and Dewayne Brown’s ability to contribute offensively could provide the Vols with a scoring punch they need to balance their defense-first approach. Developing shooting guards and wings who can knock down shots will be a priority, and Evans could provide the spark Tennessee needs in this area.

Additionally, Rick Barnes will continue to instill his defensive mindset into the team. Tennessee has become known for its stifling defense, and with players like Brown, Evans, and the returning players, the Vols could continue to be one of the toughest defensive teams in the country.