KNOXVILLE — Tennessee added another talent to its basketball roster for the 2020-21 season, as Sacred Heart University grad transfer E.J. Anosike announced on Friday that he will play in Knoxville.
Anosike picked the Vols over Louisville, Wake Forest, Georgetown, Gonzaga, Boston College and Georgia.
I want Thank God and for everyone who helped me get to this point in my career. I am excited for what the future holds for me. With that being said I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Tennessee. I can’t wait to join my family in Knoxville!
#BeenVFL 🍊 pic.twitter.com/6P2ZjnInH4— Ej Anosike (@Rattyfam_EJ) March 27, 2020
A 6-foot-6, 245-pound combo player at Sacred Heart, Anosike released his top seven schools on Tuesday, and ultimately chose the destination where he has family roots. His sister, Nicky Anosike, played under Pat Summitt for the Lady Vols from 2004-08, winning back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008.
Anosike averaged a double-double last season with Sacred Heart with 15.7 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, and was able to have success at guard and forward in the Northeast Conference. It is not clear what position Anosike will play in Knoxville, but he will be immediately eligible and it is safe to say he will be used heavily in the front court with the abundance of guards Tennessee will have next season.
The Vols return sophomore guards Santiago Vescovi and Josiah Jordan-James, along with Victor Bailey Jr., an Oregon transfer that was ineligible last season. Tennessee also adds 5-star guards Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson.
2019-20 SEC Defensive Player of the Year Yves Pons will likely return if he elects not to test NBA Draft waters, while All-SEC second team John Fulkerson will also likely come back for his redshirt senior season. 7-foot post player Uros Plavsic will be back with an offseason of development under his belt, and joining him down low will be 4-star forward Corey Walker. Combining those players with Anosike will give Tennessee one of the deepest and most versatile teams in the SEC next season.
After a 17-14 campaign that was cut short due to the coronavirus outbreak, Rick Barnes will have a roster that can immediately compete for an SEC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
The addition of Anosike gives the Vols a scoring threat that can win battles on the boards, something Tennessee often struggled with last season. He is a huge get for Tennessee basketball, and an addition that could help bring the Vols to the next level.