E.J. Anosike

Sacred Heart transfer E.J. Anosike verbally committed to Tennessee on Friday, he tells 247Sports.

“I’m going to the University of Tennessee and I am going there because I want to play for coach [Rick] Barnes and I believe that it was a great fit for me,” Anosike said.

Tennessee had an advantage over other schools because of a family relationship with the school. Anosike’s older sister, Nicky, played for Tennessee’s women’s program from 2004 – 2008 and helped lead the Lady Vols to two National Championships.

“It’s good to be following in her footsteps after seeing her success at Tennessee,” Anosike said. “I was actually at both Final Fours when the Lady Vols won Championships in 2007 and 2008 and if I can get one national championship my collegiate career will really mean something."

E.J. Anosike

Anosike, a 6-foot-7 forward out of New Jersey, picked the Vols over Georgia, Louisville, Wake Forest, Boston College, Gonzaga and Georgetown.

“I like everything the program stands for and the style of play, I also have rooted in Tennessee because my sister played there for Pat Summit and I always grew up wanting to play for Tennessee.

“I grew up watching Tennessee basketball win Championships and I feel that I fit perfectly into coach Barnes system and his philosophy,” he added.

Due to the coronavirus, Anosike and other transfers have been unable to take college visits. Fortunately for Tennessee, Anosike had been to campus a number of times when his sister player.

Anosike was one of the best players in the Northeastern Conference this past season, averaging 15.7 points and 11.6 rebounds a game. Anosike’s numbers ranked No. 7 in scoring and No. 1 in rebounding in the conference.