Center Felix Okpara Turning The Corner For Tennessee Basketball

Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

One of the biggest positives for Tennessee basketball in its first six SEC games is the play of center Felix Okpara.

Okpara is one of three first-year transfers in Tennessee’s starting lineup this season and was the most underwhelming of the trio in non conference play. But just over a quarter of the way through SEC play, the Ohio State transfer is starting to turn the corner for Tennessee.

“Felix is playing really well,” Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey said. “He is playing really well. He is competing at a high, high level.”

Through 13 SEC games, Okpara averaged 6.8 points, six rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game and those numbers were definitively worse in Tennessee’s six games against power five opponents. In Tennessee’s six SEC games, Okpara is averaging nine points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

The 6-foot-11 center has been one of Tennessee’s most consistent players through three weeks of SEC play. He’s doing a better job finishing around the rim as well a grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring.

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But the more dramatic difference in what Okpara has brought Tennessee physically on the defensive end of the court and on the glass. That’s why the Vols targeted Okpara in the portal and he’s starting to match his potential.

“He’s brought physicality. We lack some of that,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said.

“His effort on that side of the ball has been great,” Gainey said. “He is making plays outside of his area. He is rebounding the basketball. He is starting to understand that he has to be dominant on that side. Anything else that comes is gravy. But cleaning stuff up on that side of the ball, he is really locking into it.”

Okpara was one of seven players nationally to block 80-plus shots last season and while he made an impact around the rim in non conference play, it was underwhelming compared to what he did a season ago. He had just three games in non conference play where he recorded three or more blocks. Okpara’s totaled three or more blocks in four of the Vols’ six SEC games.

Tennessee knew that Okpara didn’t have as much diversity in his offensive game as Jonas Aidoo but they also knew the Ohio State transfer had a different defensive level. That was also noticeable to Mississippi State coach Chris Jans whose Bulldogs terrorized Tennessee inside twice last season.

“He just gives him more of a defensive rim presence. That’s what sticks out to me,” Jans said. “The paint presence and the length. And he’s a little bit stronger in person than I thought he was on video.”

The Vols need Okpara to keep bringing physicality on the defensive end and on the glass as they prepare to face top-ranked Auburn on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers have by far the nation’s best offense and have been fantastic scoring at the rim.

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