Shooting guard Justin Powell, who was a true freshman at Auburn this past season, has signed an institutional aid agreement with Tennessee and plans to enroll this summer.
“Justin is a savvy guard who plays very unselfishly and makes his teammates better,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said. “He’s got really good size and can play multiple guard spots. He’s also a proven shooter and knows how to move well without the ball in his hands. We’re really excited about his ability to make plays using screens off the ball and what that can do for us offensively.”
Last week, the NCAA DI Council adopted legislation allowing a one-time transfer without a requirement to sit out a year in residency. The Southeastern Conference is expected to address its intraconference transfer policy in the coming weeks.
A four-star, top-100 prospect in the Class of 2020, Powell appeared in 10 games for the Tigers before his season was cut short by injury. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting .429 from the field, .442 from 3-point range and .765 at the free-throw line.
The Prospect, Kentucky, native started seven games and impressed as both a shooter and playmaker. He owned a 1.8 assist/turnover ratio and recorded five or more assists in half of the games in which he appeared. Powell had three games with at least three made 3-pointers and scored in double figures four times.
In his first career start, Powell made seven 3-pointers as part of a 26-point performance against South Alabama. In his next game, he put together another 26-point showing in a neutral-site win over Memphis. Those two efforts resulted in SEC Freshman of the Week honors on Dec. 14.
Powell, who will wear jersey No. 24, looks to add to Tennessee’s history of decorated shooters from the state of Kentucky—a list that includes All-Americans Allan Houston and Chris Lofton.
In addition to Powell, Tennessee’s crop of newcomers next season also includes incoming freshmen Jonas Aidoo, Kennedy Chandler, Quentin Diboundje, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Jahmai Mashack.
-UT Athletics
