Tennessee basketball announced the signing of Loyola (Chicago) transfer center Miles Rubin on Monday afternoon. Rubin committed to the Vols over Clemson, Syracuse and Marquette on Sunday afternoon shortly after his weekend official visit.
The 6-foot-10 center gives Tennessee rim protection and some of the same things that Felix Okpara gave them the last two years. Here’s what Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said about the addition.
“We are pleased to have Miles and his family join us here at Tennessee,” Barnes said. “He is an incredibly tough and hard-working player who loves to be a star in his role. Miles is an ideal fit in our defensive scheme as a sensational rim protector who can also defend one-on-one in the post and guard on the perimeter.
“Offensively, he is an impressive lob threat with really good hands, nice touch around the rim and quality passing ability. Miles is excited to play on a big stage, compete daily against elite competition and make a run in the NCAA Tournament, as well as work with Garrett Medenwald in the weight room.”
Rubin spent the first three years of his career with the Ramblers and transfers to Tennessee with one year of eligibility remaining. He is coming off a strong junior season where he averaged 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.3 assists per game.
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The Chicago native is a high-level rim protector, ranking 12th nationally last season by blocking 76 shots. Rubin blocked 85 shots as a sophomore and, again, 76 shots as a true freshman.
Rubin posted a strong 20.2% defensive rebound rate and 8.0% offensive rebound rate last season with Loyola. His 9.4% block rate ranked 20th nationally.
“One thing is for sure lobs,” Rubin told RTI of his fit. “I mean, I feel like a lob is a key part of their offense. I mean, I feel like their offense, in general, just fits the way my play style works. Like passing, setting screens, run to the basket and making the right reads. I feel like with that, I feel like that will help me help this team win championships.”
Tennessee badly needed to add front court help in the transfer portal this offseason after losing Felix Okpara to graduation as well as J.P. Estrella, Jaylen Carey and Cade Phillips to the transfer portal.
The only returning front court player from Tennessee’s 2025-26 team is DeWayne Brown— who averaged 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game. Even with Rubin in the fold, Tennessee still needs to add more help on the front line.
