Sure! Here’s a full 1,500-word article titled:
NO: Oklahoma Sooners Guard Transfer Duke Miles Set to Visit Tennessee Basketball
In a surprising twist that could shake up the college basketball landscape in the SEC, Oklahoma Sooners transfer guard Duke Miles is reportedly planning a high-profile visit to Tennessee basketball. The move comes as the Volunteers look to bolster their backcourt following a season marked by both thrilling highs and disappointing postseason lows.
Miles, a seasoned and explosive guard with SEC-level experience and a knack for making plays on both ends of the floor, enters the transfer portal as one of the most sought-after guards in the country. Tennessee’s interest in him is no coincidence—Rick Barnes and his staff are known for targeting mature, ready-to-contribute players who can make an immediate impact. And Miles fits that mold perfectly.
Duke Miles began his college career at Troy University, where he made an immediate name for himself with his aggressive playing style, tight ball handling, and a motor that never seemed to run out. After a stellar stint at Troy, where he averaged 14.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game during his final year, he transferred to Oklahoma for the 2023-24 season.
At Oklahoma, Miles was expected to provide instant offensive spark, especially in a rebuilding Big 12 squad. Though he faced growing pains adapting to the level of competition, he still managed to average 9.8 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in a relatively modest role. His versatility, court vision, and disruptive defense stood out, making him a valuable asset in a conference filled with elite guards.
Now, with the Sooners in flux and Miles looking for a better system fit where he can fully shine, the transfer portal gives him another shot—and this time, it could land him in Knoxville.
Tennessee is facing some roster uncertainty heading into the 2025-26 season. With Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James having moved on, and Zakai Zeigler’s status still up in the air following another injury scare late last season, the Volunteers are hungry for guard depth and proven playmaking.
Duke Miles could very well be the answer.
Head coach Rick Barnes has long favored experienced guards who bring intensity and basketball IQ to the floor. While Tennessee has a solid core of developing talent, including Freddie Dilione V and J.P. Estrella, they’re still in need of a steady backcourt leader who’s not afraid to take big shots or pressure the opposing team’s top ball handler. That’s where Miles’ two-way game becomes a perfect match.
Miles would likely step into a prominent role right away—potentially even as a starting combo guard. His ability to create off the dribble, finish through contact, and bring relentless defensive effort aligns with Tennessee’s culture. Simply put, he fits the Rick Barnes system like a glove.
If Duke Miles lands at Tennessee, it’s not just a huge win for the Vols—it’s a loss for the rest of the SEC.
Several programs are reportedly in pursuit of Miles, including Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss. However, Tennessee’s advanced player development program, passionate fanbase, and national relevance could give it the inside track. Moreover, the Vols have proven in recent years that they can mold transfer guards into stars—just look at Dalton Knecht, who went from a mid-major player at Northern Colorado to one of the best scorers in the SEC.
The idea of Miles suiting up in orange and white doesn’t just excite fans—it sends a message to the rest of the conference: Tennessee is serious about winning now.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Miles isn’t the tallest guard on the market, but what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in intensity and court sense. He thrives in transition, can score at all three levels, and is particularly crafty in pick-and-roll situations. His defensive game is just as impressive—he routinely picks pockets and creates turnovers with his fast hands and sharp instincts.
He’s a true combo guard who can handle the point or slide off-ball, giving Barnes the flexibility to pair him with different lineups. Whether it’s sharing duties with Zeigler (if healthy), playing off a scoring wing, or running the offense himself, Miles can do it all.
More importantly, he plays with a chip on his shoulder. After being under-recruited out of high school and having to prove himself first at Troy and then again in the Big 12, Miles plays every game like he’s got something to prove. That edge could be exactly what Tennessee needs to take the next step.
A visit to Knoxville doesn’t mean a commitment, but in today’s recruiting environment—especially with the transfer portal—it’s as close as you can get to being “on the radar.” When a player like Miles takes an official visit, it means he’s seriously considering the program and wants to see how he’d fit within the system, the locker room, and the campus culture.
If Tennessee can make a strong impression—showing Miles how he’d be used, what his development track would look like, and how he’d benefit from the university’s NIL setup—it could be the final nudge needed to secure his pledge.
The Volunteers have already ramped up their NIL game with recent partnerships and branding initiatives. Landing a player of Miles’ caliber would not only boost their on-court product but also signal to other top transfers that Knoxville is a destination worth considering.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Miles could visit Tennessee within the next week, depending on how his calendar shakes out. He’s also expected to visit at least two other programs before making a decision—possibly within the next two to three weeks.
If Tennessee wants to seal the deal, they’ll need to pull out all the stops—player-hosted tours, practice facility visits, meetings with strength coaches, NIL representatives, and of course, some Southern hospitality from fans and staff alike.
But they have a solid pitch: a ready-made role, a competitive SEC schedule, and a proven coach in Rick Barnes who knows how to elevate guards to the next level.
With so much movement happening across the college basketball landscape, each transfer decision has ripple effects—and Duke Miles’ visit to Tennessee is no exception. He’s a player who can immediately upgrade a roster, impact both ends of the court, and help Tennessee remain a legitimate contender in the SEC and beyond.
Should he choose the Volunteers, Tennessee might just be one step closer to making another deep tournament run—and possibly getting over the hump that’s eluded them in recent years.
For now, all eyes are on Knoxville as Duke Miles prepares to take the next big step in his college basketball journey. One visit could change everything.
Let me know if you want this broken into subheadings or adapted for a specific format (social media teaser, newsletter summary, etc).