After Rick Barnes hinted at a new commitment on Thursday, Tennessee quickly followed through as Kennesaw State forward Braeden Lue officially joined the program less than a day later, continuing a major roster overhaul from last season.
Lue becomes the second frontcourt addition for the Volunteers, joining Loyola-Chicago transfer Miles Rubin alongside returning sophomore center DeWayne Brown.
During his time at Kennesaw State, the 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward averaged 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while emerging as a strong defensive presence with nearly 1.5 blocks per contest—earning Conference USA All-Defense honors.
Offensively, Lue shot 43.5% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc, while converting 64.8% of his free throws. He arrives in Knoxville with two years of eligibility remaining.
He joins a growing group of transfer additions for Tennessee, including guards Dai Dai Ames, Terrence Hill Jr., and Tyler Lundblade, along with wing Jalen Haralson and forward Miles Rubin. Wake Forest guard Juke Harris remains a potential target.
With several key frontcourt players departing, Tennessee has prioritized adding size and depth in the paint. Lue’s arrival helps address that need, while also giving Barnes flexibility with versatile players like Haralson and freshman Chris Washington Jr.
In total, Tennessee has now added six transfers, alongside four incoming freshmen and two returning scholarship players, leaving a couple of roster spots still open as the program continues shaping its lineup for the upcoming season.
