Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes can already imagine Miles Rubin in his defensive system.
The Vols officially added the 6-foot-10 center and transfer from Loyola (Chicago) on April 13.
“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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