Tennessee center Uros Plavsic is raising money for Knoxville charities by doing NIL deals. The Serbia native is unable to profit off of the NCAA’s new Name, Image and Likeness rules due to his United States visa.
However, the 7-foot center and Tennessee’s compliance office figured out a way for Plavsic to do NIL deals, donating the money he earns to charity.
“This news allows me to leverage my platform as a Tennessee Volunteer in a way that benefits families and organizations in the Knoxville area that have real needs,” Plavsic said in a statement on his Twitter. “I’ve already talked to Coach Barnes and asked for his guidance on some local charities that do great work.”
Plavsic’s selfless effort is in line with the Serbia natives time at Tennessee. The redshirt-junior has played only sparingly in his two years in Knoxville but has earned Barnes and Vol fans respect by being a great teammate.
The big man averaged 1.1 points and 1.1 rebounds in 4.4 minutes per game last season. However, Plavsic’s role increased at the end of the season. Plavsic played 13.5 minutes per game in the final two games of the season.
Tennessee is hoping for a third season jump from Plavsic this season. The Vols were thin in the front court a season ago and lost starter Yves Pons to graduation. Tennessee is hoping incoming freshmen Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Jonas Aidoo as well as juniors Olivier Nkamhoua and Plavsic to help feel that void this season.
Plavsic is one of four international players on Tennessee’s roster this season. The center said he’s working to get Uruguayan guard Santiago Vescovi involved too.
The Vols start a grueling 2021-22 schedule on Nov. 9 against UT Martin.
