Could Tennessee take another shot at Jarin Stevenson? He has ties to UNC and was previously recruited before choosing Alabama.

The ever-changing landscape of college basketball has been heavily influenced by the rise of the transfer portal. Each season, the portal provides opportunities for teams to adjust and retool their rosters, bringing in fresh talent or reintegrating players who might have once been part of the team’s plans. In the case of Jarin Stevenson, the departure from Alabama to the transfer portal has already begun to create buzz, not only for the Crimson Tide but also for other programs that had previously shown interest in the talented forward. Among the schools linked to Stevenson’s recruitment is the University of Tennessee, a program that was hot on his trail before he ultimately chose Alabama.

With Stevenson entering the transfer portal, the question arises: Could Tennessee take another shot at him? The answer is certainly worth exploring, especially considering the connections Stevenson has to the Volunteers and the potential impact his return could have on Tennessee’s roster. This article will delve into Stevenson’s recruitment journey, his ties to Tennessee, the potential fit with the Volunteers, and what steps Tennessee might take to potentially land him in this new chapter of his career.

Jarin Stevenson’s Recruiting Journey: A Look Back

To fully understand why Jarin Stevenson’s potential return to Tennessee is being considered, it’s important to reflect on his recruitment process. As a highly sought-after recruit out of high school, Stevenson had a number of big-name programs competing for his commitment. His versatility as a forward and his ability to impact both ends of the floor made him a priority for several top programs. From scoring inside to defending multiple positions, Stevenson’s skill set was appealing to many college coaches.

Before his eventual commitment to Alabama, Stevenson had been heavily recruited by the University of North Carolina (UNC), a school with a rich basketball tradition and a history of developing top-tier players. However, Stevenson ultimately decided to take his talents to Tuscaloosa, choosing Alabama for its up-tempo style of play and the opportunity to play for head coach Nate Oats. While this was a strong move at the time, things didn’t go as planned for Stevenson, and now, with the transfer portal as his next option, the question is whether he might look back at the programs that originally recruited him, including Tennessee.

Tennessee’s Interest in Stevenson: The Previous Recruitment

Tennessee, under head coach Rick Barnes, has developed a reputation for recruiting talented players who fit the program’s tough, defensive-oriented style. Before Stevenson made his commitment to Alabama, the Volunteers had been actively pursuing him. Tennessee was intrigued by Stevenson’s ability to stretch the floor, play physical defense, and contribute in various ways on the offensive end. The versatility he would bring to the frontcourt was a significant draw for the Volunteers’ coaching staff.

While Stevenson ultimately chose Alabama, Tennessee’s interest in him during the recruitment process left a lasting impression. It’s clear that the Volunteers saw something in Stevenson that aligned with their needs and system. As a program known for developing players and building strong team culture, Tennessee may see an opportunity to re-enter the picture now that Stevenson has decided to leave Alabama.

Tennessee’s Current Needs and How Stevenson Fits

Now, with the departure of Jarin Stevenson from Alabama, Tennessee has a chance to reevaluate its options and possibly take another shot at adding him to the roster. For Tennessee, bringing Stevenson in could address several key needs, particularly in the frontcourt.

Frontcourt Depth and Versatility

Tennessee’s frontcourt has seen significant changes in recent years, with the loss of key players to graduation or the NBA draft. The Volunteers have talented big men, but the addition of a player like Stevenson could provide them with the depth and versatility they need to continue competing at the highest level. Stevenson’s ability to play both forward positions and potentially serve as a stretch-four makes him an excellent fit in Tennessee’s system.

Rick Barnes values players who can contribute in a variety of ways, and Stevenson’s multifaceted skill set would be a welcome addition. His defense, particularly his ability to guard multiple positions, would mesh well with Tennessee’s emphasis on physical, high-pressure defense. Meanwhile, his offensive game—especially his ability to stretch the floor—would help the Volunteers maintain their fast-paced, up-tempo style of play. His size, athleticism, and rebounding ability would further strengthen Tennessee’s frontcourt, which could be crucial in the SEC’s competitive environment.

Defensive Presence

One of the most important aspects of Tennessee’s game under Rick Barnes has been its defense. The Volunteers pride themselves on being one of the top defensive teams in the country, and they continually look for players who can make an immediate impact on that side of the ball. Stevenson’s defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions would be highly valuable to Tennessee’s defensive schemes.

In the SEC, where teams like Alabama, Kentucky, and Arkansas play fast and aggressively, having a player like Stevenson—who can impact the game on defense in a variety of ways—would be critical. Whether it’s blocking shots, disrupting passing lanes, or defending in space, Stevenson’s presence would allow Tennessee to adjust and execute defensive game plans with greater flexibility.

Offensive Complement to Key Players

Offensively, Stevenson’s skill set would complement Tennessee’s key players in the backcourt and on the wing. With players like Zakai Zeigler, Santiago Vescovi, and Julian Phillips expected to take on significant roles, Stevenson’s ability to space the floor and create opportunities inside would give the Volunteers additional offensive firepower. His ability to finish at the rim, stretch the defense with his mid-range game, and serve as a reliable rebounder would add balance to the team’s overall offensive attack.

The ability to stretch the floor is particularly important in the modern game of college basketball, and Stevenson’s shooting range could help open up driving lanes for Tennessee’s guards. Additionally, his versatility would make him an ideal option in pick-and-roll situations, providing opportunities for both him and his teammates.

Tennessee’s Recruiting Strategy: Could They Secure Stevenson?

With Jarin Stevenson now available via the transfer portal, the question is whether Tennessee can secure his commitment and add him to their roster. The Volunteers’ previous interest in Stevenson, combined with their current roster needs, makes this an intriguing possibility, but the competition will likely be fierce.

Recruiting Pitch: Fit and Development

Rick Barnes and his staff will have to make a compelling pitch to Stevenson if they are to lure him back to Tennessee. Barnes has a reputation for developing players and creating a system that emphasizes defense, team play, and skill development. For a player like Stevenson, the chance to develop his game under Barnes’ tutelage and be a key contributor on a team that consistently competes at the highest level could be very appealing.

Additionally, Tennessee’s focus on building a strong team culture could resonate with Stevenson, who may be looking for a fresh start where he can make a real impact. The Volunteers are a program that emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and accountability, which could align well with Stevenson’s desire to continue growing as a player.

Transfer Portal Landscape: Competition

However, securing Stevenson’s commitment will not be easy. The transfer portal has become a highly competitive arena, with numerous programs actively seeking to add talented players to their rosters. Schools across the country, including those with deep basketball traditions, will likely show interest in a player of Stevenson’s caliber. Additionally, Stevenson has ties to UNC, which could mean that North Carolina will be a major contender in his recruitment.

While Tennessee has a strong recruiting pitch, it will need to convince Stevenson that his best opportunity for development and success lies in Knoxville. With the SEC continuing to rise in prominence, the Volunteers will have to offer Stevenson the chance to play in a conference that consistently produces top-tier competition while also providing him with the platform to reach his full potential.

Potential Playing Time and Role

One of the key factors in Stevenson’s decision will likely be his role and playing time. As a transfer, he will want to find a program where he can make an immediate impact and contribute in a significant way. Tennessee’s need for frontcourt depth and Stevenson’s versatile skill set could allow him to play a prominent role right away. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Stevenson would likely be a key piece of the rotation and a player who could help Tennessee compete for championships in the SEC and on the national stage.

Can Tennessee Land Stevenson?

As Jarin Stevenson enters the transfer portal, Tennessee is in an excellent position to potentially re-enter the recruitment conversation. With ties to the program, a demonstrated need for a versatile frontcourt player, and a strong system under Rick Barnes, the Volunteers are certainly a strong contender for his commitment.

While the competition for Stevenson’s services will be fierce, Tennessee’s pitch—centered around fit, development, and playing in a competitive environment—could resonate with Stevenson as he looks to make the next step in his basketball career. For the Volunteers, adding a player of Stevenson’s caliber would bolster their frontcourt, enhance their defense, and provide additional offensive flexibility.

Ultimately, much will depend on how Stevenson views his future development and what kind of role he envisions for himself moving forward. If Tennessee can offer the right combination of opportunity, playing time, and coaching, they could very well have a shot at bringing him back to Knoxville. The Volunteers will certainly be keeping a close eye on his decision as they look to solidify their roster for the next chapter in Tennessee basketball.