Tennessee visits virtually with five-star point guard Kennedy Chandler

For now, at least through the end of June, Tennessee and the rest of the college athletics world is stuck recruiting virtually due to the COVID-19 precautions. Rick Barnes and his staff are looking for their next pieces of the puzzle, trying to build on a top five class from the 2020 cycle.

The main target in the 2021 class has been five-star point guard Kennedy Chandler for quite some time now. The Memphis product has been in constant contact with the Volunteers for the better part of a year now, as Barnes attempts to keep him away from the traditional powers.

That effort continues tonight, as Tennessee hosts Chandler on another virtual meeting. Jake Weingarten reported the visit this morning.

Chandler is the second-ranked prospect in the state of Tennessee for the 2021 cycle. He’s the 13th overall player in the class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Chandler checks in at 6-1, 160 pounds.

Tennessee has added three five-star guards in the last two years. Josiah-Jordan James kicked things off, then Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer followed. Johnson and Springer will join James in Knoxville this fall. Might Chandler be next?

The crystal ball projections from 247Sports point towards the Duke Blue Devils as the favorite, but we’re beginning to see Tennessee steal a prospect here and there from the traditional blue bloods. Chandler is also hearing from Kentucky, North Carolina and his hometown Memphis Tigers.

Chandler took an official visit to Knoxville back in October of 2019. Five-star forward Paolo Banchero also visited during that weekend — another top target of Tennessee. Those two have discussed teaming up at the next level and the Volunteers certainly seem to be in the mix for that duo.