Tennessee basketball guard Ethan Burg is returning to Israel after one season with the Volunteers. He expressed gratitude to the fans and teammates in an Instagram post.
Key points
Ethan Burg is returning to Israel.
He played one season at Tennessee.
Burg expressed gratitude to fans and teammates.
He announced his return via Instagram.
Mentioned in this story
University of TennesseeIsrael
Ethan Burg
Tennessee basketball guard Ethan Burg returning to Israel after one season
Tennessee basketball guard Ethan Burg is going back to his native country Israel, he announced with an Instagram post on April 17.
"Vol Nation, thank you for welcoming me, a guy from halfway across the world, and making Rocky Top feel like home sweet home from my very first day," he wrote. "It has been an honor to play in front of this incredible fan base and represent the University of Tennessee."
"I'm so grateful to all the coaches, staff and managers for the constant support. It was a privilege to compete alongside an amazing group of guys, my teammates, whom I'll forever share a special bond with."
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Tennessee forward DeWayne Brown II (6) moves towards the basket while guarded by Texas forward Camden Heide (5) in an NCAA college basketball game on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Q&A
Why is Ethan Burg returning to Israel after playing at Tennessee?
Ethan Burg is returning to Israel after one season at Tennessee, as announced in his Instagram post.
What did Ethan Burg say about his time at Tennessee?
Ethan Burg thanked the fans and expressed gratitude for the support from coaches and teammates in his farewell message.
How long did Ethan Burg play for the Tennessee basketball team?
Ethan Burg played for one season with the Tennessee basketball team.
What impact did Ethan Burg have on the Tennessee basketball team?
Ethan Burg contributed to the team and formed special bonds with his teammates during his time at Tennessee.
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Tennessee guard Troy Henderson (24) dribbles past Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 17, 2026.
Feb 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Jalen Haralson (10) drives to the basket as Florida State Seminoles guard Lajae Jones (10) defends during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Jan 2, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Dai Dai Ames (7) looks to drive around Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Braeden Shrewsberry (11) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Belmont's Tyler Lundblade, right, lines up one of his three-pointers against Bradley in the second half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at Carver Arena. Lundblade dropped eight three-pointers and the Braves fell to the Bruins 80-77.
Mar 15, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Loyola Chicago Ramblers center Miles Rubin (24) shoots the ball as VCU Rams forward Luke Bamgboye (9) defends in the first half in a semifinal of the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
IMG's Ralph Scott blocks a dunk attempt at IMG Academy on Feb. 7, 2025.
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Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additions
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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Tennessee forward DeWayne Brown II (6) moves towards the basket while guarded by Texas forward Camden Heide (5) in an NCAA college basketball game on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additions
Tennessee guard Troy Henderson (24) dribbles past Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 17, 2026.
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Feb 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Jalen Haralson (10) drives to the basket as Florida State Seminoles guard Lajae Jones (10) defends during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
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Jan 2, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Dai Dai Ames (7) looks to drive around Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Braeden Shrewsberry (11) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
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Belmont's Tyler Lundblade, right, lines up one of his three-pointers against Bradley in the second half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at Carver Arena. Lundblade dropped eight three-pointers and the Braves fell to the Bruins 80-77.
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Mar 15, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Loyola Chicago Ramblers center Miles Rubin (24) shoots the ball as VCU Rams forward Luke Bamgboye (9) defends in the first half in a semifinal of the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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IMG's Ralph Scott blocks a dunk attempt at IMG Academy on Feb. 7, 2025.
Burg, 6-foot-3, 199 pounds, came to Tennessee after playing professionally in Israel. He spent two seasons in the Israeli Basketball Super League and was a one-time ISBL All-Star.
Burg averaged 2.5 points, 1.1 assists and 0.9 rebounds and shot 44.3% in 31 appearances for the Vols.
Burg fell out of the rotation around the start of SEC play. He had more consistent playing time after the win against LSU on Feb. 14, playing double-digit minutes in nine of Tennessee's final 13 games.
"Although I've made the difficult decision to return home to Israel to be closer to my family, I'll always be proud to be a Tennessee Volunteer," Burg added. "This past year as been unforgettable and I'll cherish the memories I made for the rest of my life. Go Big Orange!"
Freshmen DeWayne Brown II and Troy Henderson are the only confirmed returners from the 2025-26 team, pending star forward Nate Ament's NBA draft decision.
