Rod Clark breaks down Tennessee basketball transfers impact in summer practices

It hasn't taken long for Tennessee basketball's four transfers to make a good impression during summer practices.

Assistant coach Rod Clark can already see the different dynamic on the team, and a lot of that has to do with the newcomers. They're playing at an even faster pace than last year and have shooters to spread the floor. Clark said the team isn't as "tall and beefy" as it has been in the past, but this team is longer, lankier and more athletic.

"We're got a lot of guys that are really good and give us different dimensions we haven't had here," Clark said Tuesday.

Igor Miličić Jr. 'is different'

Senior forward Igor Miličić Jr. is one of the main players Clark thinks has changed the dynamic of the team. Clark said coach Rick Barnes hasn't had a player like the Croatian, who transferred from Charlotte. He's 6-foot-10 and can play the four with guard skills – Clark could see him shooting 38% or more from 3-point range.

"Igor is different ... Coach would be the first one to say he’s never had anything like that," Clark said. "The things he can do with the ball – coach had him running point for a little bit yesterday in practice, and it actually looked good. We’ve tried some different things with him, and he’s met the challenge, he’s really competitive. He plays really, really hard.

"His dad is a high-level coach over in Europe, and his dad called the other day and said, 'Igor said it’s the hardest thing he’s ever done and it’s the most fun in basketball he’s had.' "

Felix Okpara, Zakai Zeigler already connect on the court

Ohio State transfer forward Felix Okpara also changes the dynamic of the team with his height and vertical ability. The 6-11 forward and point guard Zakai Zeigler have formed a connection on the court. Clark said they play like they've been playing together for years.

"I think that they’re probably the perfect complement to each other," Clark said.

Zeigler has taken advantage of Okpara's abilities around the rim. In practice Monday, Zeigler had a post player switch onto him and Okpara had a guard defending him. It was late in the shot clock and Zeigler threw a lob to Okpara, who was at the rim to score.

"I told Zakai, 'Great, that’s what you should do. That was a great job.' And he was like, 'I didn’t know where he was, I just kind of threw the ball up,' " Clark said. "That’s the kind of dynamic that he changes with us, just someone so talented vertically. But also a guy that plays with a lot of physicality and aggression down in the paint. I think he adds another dimension to us there, it’s kind of similar to what we had in the past, but it’s a little bit more pop to it."

Chaz Lanier, Darlinstone Dubar bring another dynamic to guard room

The Vols also brought in two transfer guards – Chaz Lanier from North Florida and Darlinstone Dubar from Hofstra. Lanier, 6-4, is from Nashville where he played at Ensworth. He has known Lady Vols senior guard Kaiya Wynn since they were kids, and said playing at UT meant a little more to him as a Tennessee native.

"Chaz is a really good player that has no clue how good he is," Clark said.

Lanier is known for being a sharpshooter, hitting 44% on 7.5 attempts from 3-point range last season. But Clark said they want to push him to show everyone he's more than a shooter.

VETERAN: Zakai Zeigler embracing veteran role going into final season with Tennessee basketball

"He’s a really, really good passer, something that I could see on film, but you don’t know until you’re in the gym with him every day," Clark said. "And he’s a really good kid, really good guy. He’s a great teammate. He’s almost too nice of a guy at times, which his teammates have gotten into him about it a few times to try to give him that extra edge."

Dubar had to figure out where exactly he wanted to play within Tennessee's offense when he arrived, and he has done that well, Clark said. His attitude and approach is good for the team. He's quieter and doesn't say much, but he's still one of the most competitive players on the court.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Rod Clark breaks down Tennessee basketball transfers impact in summer practices