Tennessee basketball officially announced the signing of Israeli combo guard Ethan Burg Thursday afternoon. Burg committed to Tennessee last week after visiting the Vols at the end of June.
A 22-year old who turns 23 in September, Burg spent two years serving in the Israeli military before playing two professional seasons for Bnei Herzeliya in the Ligat Winner League. Despite multiple years of professional experience, the NCAA granted Burg three years of eligibility.
“We are excited for Ethan and his family to join Tennessee basketball,” head coach Rick Barnes said in a statement. “He is a confident young man who plays with an edge. Ethan is a talented combo guard with backcourt versatility who is excellent in transition and can really get to the basket off the bounce. He also has the ability to shoot the ball. Ethan’s experience playing high-level international basketball should help him make a smooth transition to the SEC.“
Burg averaged 11.1 points on 45% from the field, 38% from three-point range and 80% from the foul line during the 2024-25 season. Playing in 24 games, he also averaged 3.4 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game. Burg’s 1.6 made three-pointers a game would add up to 61 total made triples in a 38-game season like Tennessee played last year.
A skilled offensive player, Burg’s tape with Bnei Herzeliya shows a strong ability to get to and finish at the basket. Burg having three years of eligibility will give him time to adjust to the size and athleticism of the SEC.
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The experience guard posted similar numbers during his first professional season in 2023-24 season, averaging 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He was less efficient shooting the ball, making 42% of his shots from the field and 29% from three-point range.
Tennessee’s newest commit is a combo guard who can play both point guard and shooting guard. However, there’s a clearer path to playing time at shooting guard at Tennessee next season.
Maryland point guard transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie is a proven power five conference, averaging 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game on his way to earning All-Big 10 honors. Freshman point guard Troy Henderson has also impressed in practice this summer and has emerged as a legitimate combo guard option for the Vols next season.
Tennessee has brought in a handful of shooting guard options including Louisiana Tech transfer Amaree Abram, four-star freshman Amari Evans and French prep prospect Clarence Massamba. The Vols also return rising sophomore combo guard Bishop Boswell.
Burg will compete with that group, as well as Henderson, for playing time in Tennessee’s backcourt between Gillespie and five-star freshman wing Nate Ament.
