Tennessee loses sixth player to transfer portal

Freshman guard Troy Henderson enters NCAA transfer portal, joining five other Vols players

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:56pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric representation of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in navy blue, crimson red, and gold, conveying the disruption and transition facing the Tennessee Volunteers basketball program.The departure of six players from Tennessee's basketball roster leaves the program facing a major rebuilding effort.Richmond Today

Tennessee freshman guard Troy Henderson has entered the NCAA transfer portal, becoming the sixth player from the Volunteers' men's basketball team to do so. Henderson played in 28 games this past season, averaging 6.9 minutes and 1.8 points per game. Several other key players, including junior forward Cade Phillips and redshirt sophomore forward J.P. Estrella, have also entered the transfer portal, leaving the Vols with a depleted roster heading into next season.

Why it matters

The high number of transfer portal exits is a significant blow to Tennessee's men's basketball program, which has made three consecutive Elite Eight appearances under head coach Rick Barnes. The Volunteers will need to rebuild their roster through the transfer portal and recruiting to remain competitive in the SEC and NCAA tournament.

The details

Troy Henderson, a 6-foot-1, 186-pound freshman guard from Richmond, Virginia, played in 28 of 37 games for the Volunteers this past season, averaging 6.9 minutes and 1.8 points per game. He is the sixth Tennessee player to enter the transfer portal, joining junior forward Cade Phillips, redshirt sophomore forward J.P. Estrella, freshman guard Clarence Massamba, sophomore guard Bishop Boswell, and junior forward Jaylen Carey.

  • The NCAA transfer portal officially opened on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The transfer portal will remain open through April 21, 2026.

The players

Troy Henderson

A 6-foot-1, 186-pound freshman guard from Richmond, Virginia, who played in 28 games for Tennessee this past season, averaging 6.9 minutes and 1.8 points per game.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team, who has guided the program to three consecutive Elite Eight appearances.

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What’s next

If five-star freshman forward Nate Ament declares for the NBA draft, that would leave only three players returning from this season's team that went 25-12 and advanced to the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight. Coach Rick Barnes and the Volunteers will need to rebuild their roster through the transfer portal and recruiting to remain competitive in the SEC and NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Tennessee's men's basketball program is facing a significant roster overhaul, with six players entering the transfer portal, including key contributors like Troy Henderson. The Volunteers will need to act quickly in the transfer portal and recruiting to rebuild a competitive team for the upcoming season.