The University of Tennessee has confirmed a significant signing for their Class of 2026, with head men's basketball coach Rick Barnes officially announcing the addition of Bermudian phenom Ralph Scott, who is widely regarded as one of the fastest-rising prospects in the United States.
Scott, who currently attends the IMG Academy in Florida, joins two other high-calibre recruits for the Volunteers. He arrives in Knoxville as a unanimous four-star recruit, having already been named to the prestigious Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Boys High School Player of the Year Watch List.
The 6-foot-8 wing's profile has soared this year, with both 247Sports and Rivals ranking him as a top-40 player in the country (No. 34 and No. 40, respectively). Coach Barnes praised Scott’s immense potential:
"We are thrilled to have Ralph and his family join us here on Rocky Top. Ralph burst on to the scene late and is still developing, but we are so excited about his immense potential... He is a legit 6-foot-8 wing with long arms who possesses both a tremendous feel for the game and an impressive ability to shoot the ball with excellent form."
Scott's meteoric rise was fuelled by a stellar summer showcasing his talent on the international circuit. He earned MVP honours at the Basketball Without Borders Americas camp in El Salvador—becoming the first Bermudian ever to compete in the event's 14-year history. He followed that up by excelling at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta.
Scott, who chose Tennessee over other high-level programmes including Houston, Purdue, and Texas A&M, is believed to be the first men's basketball player from Bermuda to commit to a Division I programme of this stature. His signing marks a historic moment for the island's basketball development.
