Rick Barnes Just Landed a 6-Foot-9 Shot Blocker and Tennessee's Portal Class Is Getting Scary

Rick Barnes is building something real in Knoxville, and the transfer portal just got a whole lot more interesting for Tennessee basketball. Braedan Lue, a 6-foot-9, 235-pound power forward from Kennesaw State, committed to the Vols and brings exactly what Barnes needs: elite shot blocking and rebounding.

Lue averaged 10.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game across two seasons with the Owls. He started 66 of his 68 games at Kennesaw State, meaning the dude was a constant presence down low. Now he'll have two years of eligibility remaining to make an impact in the SEC. That's a serious piece for a team coming off its third-straight trip to the Elite Eight.

Tennessee's Portal Haul Is Stacking Up Fast

Lue becomes the Vols' sixth transfer addition since the portal opened. He's joining a 2026 Tennessee class that already includes small forward Jalen Haralson from Notre Dame, guards Dai Dai Ames and Terrence Hill Jr. from VCU, guard Tyler Lundblade from Belmont, and power forward Miles Rubin from Loyola-Chicago.

That's a full overhaul. Barnes is treating this portal like a draft, and it's working. The Vols went 25-12 last season and earned a No. 6 seed in the 2025-26 NCAA Tournament. This is their sixth-straight tournament appearance under Barnes.

Who Is Braedan Lue?

Lue came to Kennesaw State as a three-star prospect out of Alexander High in Douglas, Georgia. He was the No. 23 player in the state and No. 50 power forward in the 2024 cycle. His high school resume was ridiculous. He averaged 17 points and eight rebounds as a senior, was named the Georgia 6A State Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons, and led Alexander High to a 6A state title. He finished as the school's all-time leading scorer.

Now he's rated the No. 60 power forward in the 2026 transfer cycle. Barnes is getting a guy with a proven track record of dominance and someone who can anchor the paint immediately.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.