Just three days after Rick Barnes took the Tennessee job on Monday, freshman forward Tariq Owens, known as Gumby by teammates, has asked him for a release, according to a report.
Tennessee freshman Tariq Owens has asked for his release after meeting with Rick Barnes today, sources told ESPN.
Will visit St. John's.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 2, 2015
Owens (6-10, 205 pounds) is one of three true post players on the roster after the 2014-15 season, joining Jabari McGhee and Willie Carmichael III. Rising seniors Derek Reese and Armani Moore both play down low in situations, though neither is a traditional post option.
Owens appeared in 28 games, starting five in 2014-15, but averaged just 7.6 minutes, 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. Still, he’s considered one of the best developmental bigs on the roster, showing flashes of what he could do with his incredibly lanky 6-10 frame, but clearly needing more time in the weight room before reaching his full potential.
If everybody (including signees Shembari Phillips and Admiral Schofield) stick with the Vols going forward, Barnes will now have three open scholarships to work with in the 2015 class. The spring signing period begins on April 15.
Goodbye Thunder Gumby:
