Maryland Terrapins guard Rodney Rice, who averaged 13.9 points per game during the 2024-25 season, is scheduled to visit the University of Tennessee this upcoming weekend. This visit comes in the wake of significant changes within the Maryland basketball program, notably the departure of head coach Kevin Willard to Villanova. ESPN.comField Level Media+3Reuters+3Reuters+3
Rice’s collegiate journey began at Virginia Tech, where he faced injury challenges during the 2022-23 season, limiting his participation to eight games with an average of 7.4 points per game. Seeking a fresh start, Rice transferred to Maryland, officially joining the Terrapins in April 2024. At Maryland, he showcased his scoring prowess, highlighted by a career-high 28-point performance against Mount St. Mary’s on November 8, 2024. University of Maryland Athleticsnbcrightnow.com+3The Diamondback+3Deadspin+3
The departure of Coach Willard has prompted key Maryland players, including Rice and teammate Ja’Kobi Gillespie, to explore transfer opportunities. Gillespie, a Tennessee native, has already committed to the Volunteers, bringing his impressive averages of 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game to Knoxville. University of Maryland Athletics+1Reuters+1Reuters+2A Sea Of Blue+2Reuters+2
Rice’s potential move to Tennessee would reunite him with Gillespie, with whom he shared the backcourt at Maryland. Their established chemistry could significantly bolster the Volunteers’ lineup, especially considering the team’s recent need to fill the point guard position following the graduation of Zakai Zeigler. Reuters+1A Sea Of Blue+1
Tennessee’s basketball program has demonstrated consistent success, reaching the Elite Eight in the past two seasons. The addition of experienced players like Gillespie and potentially Rice aligns with the Volunteers’ strategy to maintain their competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage.Reuters
Rice’s visit to Tennessee signifies a pivotal moment in his collegiate career. His decision will not only impact his personal development but also influence the dynamics of the teams involved. As the transfer portal continues to reshape college basketball rosters, Rice’s movements are a testament to the evolving landscape of the sport.
The basketball community will be closely monitoring Rice’s visit and subsequent decision. His proven scoring ability and resilience make him a valuable asset to any program. Should he choose to join the Volunteers, Tennessee could further solidify its position as a formidable contender in the upcoming season.
In summary, Rodney Rice’s scheduled visit to the University of Tennessee underscores the dynamic nature of college basketball transfers. His potential reunion with Ja’Kobi Gillespie and integration into the Volunteers’ roster could have significant implications for Tennessee’s performance in the 2025-26 season. As Rice weighs his options, the basketball world awaits his decision with keen interest.