Tennessee Basketball, we are witnessing one of the best shot blocking seasons in our history. Felix Okpara, our starting center and junior, has been a great rim protector. Now tied for 5th all time with beloved VFL Grant Williams. Okpara still has another year with the VOLS after this season

Tennessee Basketball has long been known for its intense defense and blue-collar mentality. The team has produced a rich legacy of standout players—many of whom have contributed to the program’s reputation as one of the top defensive squads in college basketball. However, the 2023-2024 season has seen the emergence of a player who is taking Tennessee’s defense to another level: Felix Okpara.

As the starting center and a junior for the Vols, Okpara has established himself as one of the most dominant shot blockers in the history of the program. His defensive prowess has been a key factor in Tennessee’s overall success this season, and his impact on the defensive end of the floor has been undeniable. Okpara is now tied for 5th all-time in Tennessee Basketball’s history for blocked shots, alongside none other than Grant Williams, one of the program’s most beloved and successful players. With another year of eligibility remaining, Okpara has the potential to cement his legacy as one of the greatest defenders to ever don the Tennessee uniform.

The Rise of Felix Okpara

Felix Okpara’s journey to becoming a defensive juggernaut for Tennessee started far from the bright lights of Knoxville. Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Okpara began his basketball journey later than many of his peers. While many young players in the United States have been playing the game since childhood, Okpara’s rise was much more recent. He was introduced to basketball during his teenage years, and his natural athleticism quickly caught the attention of scouts.

His development accelerated when he moved to the United States to play high school basketball at The Christ School in Arden, North Carolina. Okpara’s impressive combination of size, athleticism, and raw talent soon made him a coveted prospect. Standing at 6’9” with an incredible wingspan, Okpara possesses the physical attributes that make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. However, it wasn’t just his size that impressed—his ability to alter shots and protect the rim stood out even during his high school days.

After a successful stint at The Christ School, Okpara attracted the attention of several high-profile college programs. Ultimately, he chose to commit to Tennessee, joining Rick Barnes’ defensive-minded program. In his first two seasons with the Vols, Okpara showed flashes of his shot-blocking ability, but it wasn’t until his junior season that he truly began to make his mark on the national stage.

Felix Okpara: A Dominant Rim Protector

One of the most exciting aspects of Okpara’s game is his ability to defend the rim. His timing, leaping ability, and defensive IQ have allowed him to become a shot-blocking machine for the Vols. As of the 2023-2024 season, Okpara is tied for 5th all-time in Tennessee history for blocked shots with 204, an incredible feat for a player who still has another year of eligibility remaining. He is now in the company of legends like Grant Williams, who played a pivotal role in the program’s success during his time at Tennessee.

Okpara’s presence in the paint has completely transformed the Vols’ defense. When opponents drive to the basket, they know they have to be aware of Okpara’s shot-blocking ability. He doesn’t just swat shots away—he alters them, discouraging players from even attempting to attack the rim. This has made Tennessee one of the most formidable defensive teams in the country. Okpara’s ability to guard the rim allows Tennessee’s perimeter defenders to be more aggressive, knowing that there is a shot-blocker waiting to clean up any mistakes.

In addition to his shot-blocking prowess, Okpara has shown remarkable consistency as a rebounder. His length and athleticism allow him to secure boards at a high rate, especially on the defensive glass. His ability to clean up missed shots and prevent second-chance opportunities is crucial in Tennessee’s overall defensive strategy. Okpara’s rim protection and rebounding have given the Vols an edge in nearly every game, allowing them to control the flow of the game and limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities.

The Comparison to Grant Williams

One of the most exciting aspects of Okpara’s shot-blocking feat is the fact that he is tied for 5th all-time with Grant Williams. Williams, who played for Tennessee from 2016 to 2019, is one of the most beloved players in program history. Known for his leadership, tenacity, and all-around game, Williams helped lead the Vols to some of their best seasons in recent memory, including a 2019 SEC Championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. While Williams was known for his scoring and versatility, his defensive contributions were just as vital to Tennessee’s success.

Williams was an elite defender during his time at Tennessee, and his shot-blocking ability was a key part of that. Although Williams was more of a forward than a traditional center, his ability to protect the rim and disrupt opposing offenses was a huge asset for the Vols. His efforts on the defensive end of the floor helped define the gritty, hard-nosed style of basketball that Tennessee has become known for under head coach Rick Barnes.

Now, with Okpara tying Williams’ record for blocked shots, it’s clear that the two players share many similarities. Both are capable of changing the game with their defensive efforts, and both have been critical to the success of Tennessee basketball during their respective tenures. While Williams had a more well-rounded game and was known for his leadership, Okpara has emerged as a true defensive force, and his ability to protect the rim has become a defining feature of Tennessee’s identity this season.

Tennessee’s Future with Okpara

The most exciting aspect of Felix Okpara’s development is that he still has one more year of eligibility remaining. This means that Vols fans can expect another season of dominant shot-blocking, rim protection, and defense from Okpara. Given the trajectory of his development, it’s entirely possible that he could climb even higher on Tennessee’s all-time blocked shots list by the time he graduates. With another year to refine his skills and continue to improve, Okpara could leave a lasting legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in Tennessee basketball history.

Okpara’s continued presence in the middle of Tennessee’s defense will be crucial for the Vols as they look to build on their current success. In a sport where defense is often the difference between winning and losing, Okpara’s shot-blocking ability gives Tennessee a significant edge over its competition. His rim protection allows the Vols to take risks on defense, pressuring opposing teams on the perimeter without worrying about wide-open layups or dunks. In turn, this has led to improved offensive opportunities for the Vols, as turnovers and fast-break chances become more frequent when opponents are forced to take difficult shots.

Beyond his shot-blocking and defensive skills, Okpara has also grown as a leader on the court. His presence in the locker room and on the floor has made him an essential part of Tennessee’s team chemistry. His work ethic, commitment to defense, and dedication to improvement have made him a player that his teammates look up to, and this leadership will continue to be an important part of his legacy at Tennessee.

A Bright Future Ahead

While Felix Okpara’s immediate future with Tennessee basketball is incredibly bright, his long-term prospects are also worth watching. NBA scouts have already begun to take notice of Okpara’s defensive abilities, particularly his shot-blocking and rebounding. Given the increasing value placed on versatile defenders in today’s NBA, Okpara’s skill set could make him a highly coveted prospect when he eventually decides to declare for the NBA Draft.

For now, Tennessee fans can enjoy watching one of the most dominant defenders in program history, knowing that they are witnessing a player who is rewriting the record books and leaving a lasting impact on the Vols’ defense. Whether he decides to play one more year at Tennessee or moves on to the next level, Felix Okpara’s legacy as a defensive titan will be remembered for years to come.

As Tennessee’s starting center, Okpara has helped redefine what it means to be a Vol, embodying the defensive tenacity and grit that has made Tennessee basketball a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. With his combination of athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and leadership, Okpara’s place in Tennessee basketball history is secure—and the best may be yet to come.