Five Former Tennessee Basketball Players Announce Transfer Destinations

The Vols lost six players to the NCAA Transfer Portal, with five committing to new schools so far.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:00am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a college basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors representing the Tennessee Volunteers and the new schools the transferring players are joining.The fluid nature of college basketball is on full display as several key Tennessee players seek new opportunities through the transfer portal.Today in Pittsburgh

Five of the six Tennessee basketball players who entered the NCAA Transfer Portal have announced commitments to new schools, including Amari Evans (Texas), Cade Phillips (Texas A&M), Bishop Boswell (Maryland), Jaylen Carey (Missouri), and J.P. Estrella (Michigan). The lone remaining player, Clarence Massamba, has not yet revealed his next destination, though a return to Tennessee has not been ruled out.

Why it matters

The loss of six players, including several key contributors, is a significant blow to the Tennessee basketball program as they look to rebuild and reload for the upcoming season. The transfers highlight the increasing fluidity of the college basketball landscape, where players are more willing to seek new opportunities outside of their original schools.

The details

Amari Evans, a freshman guard, averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game for the Vols this past season. Cade Phillips, a junior forward, started 9 of the first 10 games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. Bishop Boswell, a guard, averaged 6.2 points in 26.5 minutes per game and was third on the team in 3-pointers made. Jaylen Carey, a forward, averaged 7.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game. J.P. Estrella, a redshirt sophomore forward, was Tennessee's third-leading scorer at 10.0 points per game.

  • The NCAA Transfer Portal opened last week, prompting the six Tennessee players to enter.
  • Amari Evans committed to Texas on Friday.
  • Cade Phillips committed to Texas A&M on Thursday.
  • Bishop Boswell committed to Maryland on Wednesday after visiting North Carolina State on Monday.
  • Jaylen Carey committed to Missouri on Monday night.

The players

Amari Evans

A freshman guard who averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game for Tennessee this past season. He was a four-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class and the No. 68 overall prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Cade Phillips

A junior forward who became Tennessee's first player to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason. He started 9 of the first 10 games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, averaging 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 61 career games for the Vols.

Bishop Boswell

A guard who averaged 6.2 points in 26.5 minutes per game for Tennessee this season, starting 33 times in 34 games while shooting 42.5% from the floor and 38.5% from the 3-point line.

Jaylen Carey

A forward who averaged 7.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game in his one season at Tennessee. He's headed to his fourth school in as many years after starting at James Madison, then transferring to Vanderbilt and then to Tennessee.

J.P. Estrella

A redshirt sophomore forward who was Tennessee's third-leading scorer this season, averaging 10.0 points in 18.4 minutes per game. He averaged 5.4 rebounds per game and shot 59.6% from the field.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.