In a surprising turn of events, Jonas Aidoo announced his decision to return to the Tennessee Volunteers for the upcoming season, stating, “After talking with my family and the coaches, I’ve decided that I’m coming back to Tennessee.” This announcement comes after a season with the Arkansas Razorbacks, where Aidoo transferred following a standout junior year at Tennessee.
During his time with the Volunteers, Aidoo emerged as a formidable presence on the court, earning Second Team All-SEC honors and a spot on the SEC All-Defensive team. He averaged career-highs in scoring (11.4 points per game), rebounding (7.3), and blocks (1.8), showcasing his growth and impact on the team.
His departure to Arkansas was met with mixed reactions from fans, especially when he returned to Knoxville as a Razorback and faced boos from the crowd. Despite the initial tension, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes expressed his continued support for Aidoo, stating, “When I shook his hand, I hugged him. I said, ‘Jonas, I love you,’ and I do love him because — he found a situation that was really hard for him to turn down, and he did it.”
Aidoo’s decision to return to Tennessee is seen as a significant boost for the Volunteers, as his defensive prowess and experience are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season.