Breaking: Tennessee lands Auburn transfer Justin Powell

Tennessee has landed the commitment of Auburn transfer Justin Powell, he told Stockrisers.com. 

The 6-foot-6 prospect out of Oldham County in Kentucky averaged 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in ten games this season for the Tigers. Many saw Powell emerging as an NBA draft prospect until he was hit with a concussion. He remains a draft prospect for the 2022 NBA draft now and I assume his name will climb draft boards.

The Volunteers are adding one of the more dynamic two-guards in the SEC. Powell was filling in at the one for Sharife Cooper early on last season and was able to show his ability to lead an offense and start at the highest level.

Powell entered the portal a few weeks ago and in an instant, he landed suitors from all over the country and that continued as the process continued. The Volunteers were able to follow through and strike one of the best available transfers in America.

I believe he will have a major impact and find himself in a starting spot for the Volunteers. A prior relationship with Kennedy Chandler will also create a very exciting backcourt for one of the SEC’s top teams in the conference.

Now, Powell took some quick time to discuss his decision with Stockrisers.com.

Why did you choose the Tennessee Volunteers?

“I chose them because of the culture they have there. They have an amazing fan base and have a great coaching staff and players. I felt like it was a great place for me to help me achieve my ultimate goal one day to play at the next level. We have some solid pieces to go make a run for a national championship and that’s the big goal.”

Discuss your relationship with your future teammate, Kennedy Chandler.

“Kennedy was a big part of my recruitment. He was on the phone with me everyday texting me. We have been brothers since we were little when we played together. We have always had good chemistry on the court and it was something that was intriguing to me to be able to play alongside him again.”

What was Rick Barnes’ pitch throughout the process?

“I liked how throughout this whole process coach Barnes was transparent with me the whole time. I really built a great relationship with him over the past few weeks and I already felt like I was one of his own. He wants to push me and I’m ready to go in there and work and be pushed by the coach every single day to bring out my max potential.”