Tennessee basketball has experienced a significant development this week through the acquisition of Felix Okpara, a former Ohio State center. Okpara swiftly made the decision to commit to the Vols after a mere five days in the transfer portal.
Okpara found the choice to sign with Tennessee to be straightforward due to the potential for playing time and his connection with the coaching staff. In his own words, “For me it was, one, it was close to home and two, after talking to the coaching staff and talking to Coach Barnes I felt like he is a genuine person who really wants the best for his players and wants to create a connection while also teaching and making them into a better person and better player,” Okpara conveyed to RTI on Friday afternoon.
The Lagos, Nigeria native, who relocated to Chattanooga for high school, already had connections to Tennessee through his host family and parents. His familiarity with Tennessee’s campus and coaching staff further solidified his decision to commit. Okpara expressed admiration for Vols’ head coach Rick Barnes’ honesty and direct approach. “He pretty much gave me the real deal and told me what I need to work on and what he could help me work on and how they foresee me and how they can make me a better player,” Okpara stated.
Standing at 6-foot-11, weighing 235 pounds, Okpara has prior ties to Tennessee, having played with Vols’ guard Cam Carr while at Link Academy in Missouri. This association provided Okpara with an insider’s perspective on the Vols’ coaching staff and team.
With two years of eligibility remaining following his tenure at Ohio State, Okpara aims to make a significant impact on the Tennessee roster. Renowned for his exceptional defensive abilities, he is committed to further enhancing his offensive skills during his time at Tennessee. His addition is expected to address a significant need for the Vols, who lost their top two big men to the transfer portal.
Okpara’s defensive prowess is well-documented, as evidenced by his ranking as a four-star and the No. 8 center in the transfer portal by 247sports. His tally of 80 blocks last season placed him among a select group of college basketball players.
In summary, the decision of Felix Okpara to commit to Tennessee represents a major triumph for the Vols’ basketball program. His skill set, combined with his familiarity with the program, positions him as an exciting addition to the team’s roster.