Tennessee basketball has added transfer Miles Rubin to their roster as of April 13. Coach Rick Barnes believes Rubin, a 6-foot-10 rim protector from Loyola (Chicago), is an ideal fit for the team's defensive system.
Why transfer Miles Rubin is an 'ideal fit' for Rick Barnes, Tennessee basketball
Tennessee basketball added Miles Rubin to the roster on April 13.
Coach Rick Barnes can already imagine the 6-foot-10 rim protector and Loyola (Chicago) transfer in his defensive system.
"We are pleased to have Miles and his family join us here at Tennessee," Barnes said in a school release. "He is an incredibly tough and hard-working player who loves to be a star in his role. Miles is an ideal fit in our defensive scheme as a sensation rim protector who can also defend one-on-one in the post and guard on the perimeter."
Rubin spent three seasons at Loyola (Chicago). He averaged 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 blocks for the Ramblers and was a two-time Atlantic 10 All-Defensive team member.
The Vols targeted Rubin to replace former All-SEC Defensive team staple Felix Okpara, who exhausted his college eligibility.
The similarities between Rubin and Okpara extend to the offensive end as well.
"Offensively, he is an impressive lob threat with really good hands, nice touch around the rim and quality passing ability," Barnes said.
Rubin announced his commitment to Tennessee on April 11, the same day as fellow Chicago native and Cal transfer guard Dai Dai Ames.
The 2026-27 roster now boasts a solid frontcourt of Rubin and freshman DeWayne Brown II, who started in a handful of games.
Tennessee will continue to add to the room after the departures of forwards Jaylen Carey, J.P. Estrella and Cade Phillips in the transfer portal.
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why center Miles Rubin is an 'ideal fit' for Rick Barnes, Tennessee basketball
Miles Rubin plays as a rim protector, standing 6-foot-10 and is expected to contribute significantly to the team's defense.
Rubin is regarded as an incredibly tough and hard-working player who excels in rim protection and can effectively guard both in the post and on the perimeter.
Miles Rubin officially joined the Tennessee basketball roster on April 13.
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