Tennessee's Rick Barnes solidifies top portal class with commitment from No. 1 player Juke Harris

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Tennessee's Rick Barnes solidifies top portal class with commitment from No. 1 player Juke Harris originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tennessee Volunteers had been pursuing Juke Harris for quite some time, but the process ultimately proved to be a lengthy one. On Sunday night, On3’s Chris Low indicated that a commitment from Harris was expected to come very soon.

“Good to catch up with Rick Barnes tonight on The RTI Low-Down as he and his staff continue to construct the Vol_Hoops roster. Lotta proven scorers in the fold, and that’s not even counting Juke Harris, who I expect to make it official for the Vols very soon,” Low posted.

This marked the second consecutive week Low suggested Harris was nearing a decision for Tennessee. By Monday morning, Harris officially announced his commitment to Rocky Top, joining the Vols’ loaded transfer class.

“Wake Forest transfer guard Juke Harris has committed to Tennessee, Joe Tipton reports. Harris is the No. 1 player in the On3 transfer portal rankings,” On3 wrote.

Head coach Rick Barnes has been on a tear this spring, putting together what is arguably his strongest transfer portal class during his tenure at Tennessee. Improving offensive production was a clear priority after inconsistencies in that area in past seasons. With the addition of Harris, the Vols now hold the top-ranked transfer portal class.

“Tennessee basketball keeps adding to its star-studded transfer portal haul, adding Wake Forest guard Juke Harris on Monday, May 4. Harris, the No. 2-ranked overall player in the transfer portal in USA TODAY's rankings, averaged 21.4 points with 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season on 44.4% shooting. He chose the Vols over Michigan, which he visited, and North Carolina, among others. Harris' commitment lifts Tennessee's portal haul to No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports' class rankings,” USA Today’s Austin Curtright wrote.

Barnes and his staff set their recruiting board following the end of the season, and it appears they have now checked off nearly every major target. Harris completes a transfer class that still may not be finished.

The Vols could continue adding to their No. 1 portal class, with a center potentially still on the radar. Barnes also still has resources available, meaning Tennessee is likely not done making moves this offseason.

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