Tobe Awaka Starting Is a Recipe for Success

Tennessee Volunteers forward Tobe Awaka shocked with his physical play style last season. Could this year be a breakout season for him?

Last season, Tennessee basketball was surprised by the impressive and physical play they saw out of now-sophomore Tobe Awaka in his first season with Tennessee. At 6'8", he provided a lot of aggression down low with his 250-pound frame. 

In the upcoming 2023-24 season, Tennessee has a younger frontcourt, with the oldest player being Jonas Aidoo, a junior. The team saw other experienced big men go elsewhere, like Uros Plavsic (NBA Summer League) and Olivier Nkamhoua (transferred to Michigan). Therefore, Awaka has a chance to start assuringly alongside Aidoo this next season. If he can, the production he will show could be something to watch within Vols hoops this season.

Last season, Awaka averaged only 10.3 minutes a game. He put up four rebounds a game during that time on the floor. This was just outside of being top five on the Tennessee team in that stat category. All of the players ahead of him were on the starting lineup. There were certain games where you could see the forward come alive as well. He had 5+ rebounds in 13 games this season. This included key matchups during last season, like against Arkansas at home on senior night and versus Ole Miss in the SEC tournament. Awaka has also credited head coach Rick Barnes with much of his growth since coming to Knoxville. In a podcast, he said, "He is the type of coach to really be in the gym with you. It is something I've come to respect. He's helped me a lot with my shooting form and free throws."This growth and production happened while Awaka was on the bench playing minimal minutes. In a starting role that he can get next season, he can come into full form in year two on Rocky Top. 

Tennessee F Tobe Awaka during the NCAA Tournament against Louisiana in Orlando, Florida, on March 16, 2023. (Photo by Russell Lansford of USA Today Sports)

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