Tennessee lands Loyola (Chicago) forward Miles Rubin in the transfer portal

Nov 22, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Loyola (Il) Ramblers center Miles Rubin (24) blocks a shot by Creighton Bluejays guard Trey Alexander (23) during the first half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

It appears Rick Barnes has found his next shot blocker to follow in the footsteps of Felix Okpara.

According to multiple outlets, Tennessee has secured the commitment of Loyola (Chicago) forward Miles Rubin, who recently visited Knoxville after entering the transfer portal.

Rubin brings length at the position at 6-10, 220 pounds. He certainly did work on the offensive end and on the glass for Loyola during his three years there. He has a career average of 9.0 ppg and 5.8 rebounds per game. His best season came last year, where he totaled 11.3 ppg and 7.1 rpg.

But Rubin is a flat-out shot blocker and rim protector, which Barnes covets highly. Rubin set a program record with 85 blocks in a single season in 2024-25. His 237 blocks are far and away the program career record, a number he shattered back in January when he got No. 177.

Barnes did good work earlier on in the month, when he landed shooting guard Tyler Lundblade from Belmont, a sharpshooting three point specialist. He continued with the scoring backcourt additions during the weekend with the commitment of Cal guard Dai Dai Ames, who averaged 16.9 ppg last year for the Bears.

Now, Tennessee added another important piece by adding a solid two-way player, and one who should make a significant impact near the basket as Tennessee tries to maintain the defensive dominance that’s helped carry them to three consecutive Elite Eights.