Tennessee basketball landed its third commit in the transfer portal Sunday afternoon when Loyola (Chicago) center Miles Rubin committed to the Vols fresh during his official visit. The Vols badly needed to add interior production to their roster and landing Rubin is a strong start.
Rubin spent each of his first three collegiate seasons at Loyola and is coming off a junior season where he averaged 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 blocks per game.
What is Tennessee getting in Rubin and how will they use him? Taking a look here.
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What Are Rubin’s Strengths?
Rubin is a prototypical rim protecting big man. He’s blocked 237 total shots in his first three collegiate seasons and ranked 12th nationally with 76 blocks during his junior campaign. He’s not as versatile a defender as Felix Okpara but also has the ability to defend multiple positions.
Offensively, Rubin does all of his scoring around the rim. During his sophomore season, the 6-foot-10 center totaled 80 dunks including on 30 alley-oops when his usage rate was lower and played around better guards. Last season, Rubi totaled 38 dunks on 15 alley-oops.
While Rubin is not a perimeter shooter, he is a good passer and should be a good connector on the top of the key. That is something Rick Barnes likes about Tennessee’s only returning big man DeWayne Brown.
How Will Tennessee Use Rubin?
This is somewhat dependent on what else Tennessee does with its front court, but it will be at least somewhat similar to how they used Okpara.
Defensively, Tennessee would like to have the defensive versatility that allows Rubin to hang out around the basket and protect the rim. But with their aggressive ball screen defense, Rubin could end up switching out onto perimeter players.
Offensively, expect Tennessee to use Rubin as a screener both on-and-off the ball. He should be effective as a lob threat both in the pick-and-roll and on the back side short corner. His strong passing ability should allow him to be a capable decision maker on the short roll which would allow the Vols to better attack aggressive hedging ball screen defenses.
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Questions About Rubin’s Game
As for any player transferring up to the power five level, the biggest question is about his ability to handle the size, strength and athleticism of the SEC. But Rubin is an athletic player and the A-10 is a good league which helps mitigate those concerns.
Rubin’s athleticism questions are more about how well he can defend on the perimeter at the SEC level. There’s little to no questions about what he can do defensively inside.
The Chicago native was an efficient offensive player during his junior season when he shot 71.4% from the field. But on a Loyola team that needed him to do more offensively last season, Rubin’s efficiency numbers tanked and he shot a career-low 58.4% from the field. How efficient Rubin will be in the SEC with a much lower usage rate is the big question.
Rubin is not a good shooter. He does not shoot three-pointers and is career 52.9% free throw shooter. Those are clear weaknesses in his game.
What Does Rubin’s Commitment Mean For Tennessee Basketball?
Tennessee needed to add someone to its roster who could bring the rim protection that they’re losing with Okpara’s graduation. Rubin brings them that.
Now, the Vols still need to add more pieces front court to their roster for next season. That will include a four-man who can shoot the ball and stretch the court more. But Tennessee will likely look to add another five-man though it seems more likely that it will be depth piece.
Tennessee also views Rubin as someone who very much fits the program’s culture and will help them carry that forward after losing so many key players to graduation and to the transfer portal.
As things currently stand, the Vols now has five scholarships to work with as they fill out their roster for next season.
