MARINE JOHANNES COMMITS TO TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS: A BASKETBALL BOMBSHELL THAT SHAKES WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOOPS

MARINE JOHANNES COMMITS TO TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS: A BASKETBALL BOMBSHELL THAT SHAKES WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOOPS

Knoxville, TN — June 7, 2025

🌟 The Commitment Heard Around the World

In a decision that sent shockwaves through the international basketball community and lit a bonfire of excitement in Rocky Top, Marine Johannes — the flamboyant, dazzling French guard known for her highlight-reel playmaking — has officially committed to the University of Tennessee to play for the Lady Volunteers.

Yes, you read that right.

Marine Johannes, the French sensation who has danced through FIBA defenses and scorched nets in the WNBA and EuroLeague, has decided to don the iconic orange jersey of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers for the 2025–26 season. With eligibility granted through a unique international-to-NCAA waiver process, Johannes has stunned the basketball world with a move no one saw coming — and one that promises to change the landscape of women’s college basketball.

🔁 How Did This Even Happen?

The story of Johannes’ journey to Tennessee begins with a bold vision by Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper. With the Lady Vols entering a new era of competitiveness after years of promising but inconsistent seasons, Harper and her staff zeroed in on an audacious strategy: bring in a global superstar who could electrify the fanbase and instantly make Tennessee a Final Four favorite.

Enter Johannes.

After a glittering year with LDLC ASVEL Féminin and a strong showing in Olympic qualifying for France, Johannes found herself pondering a new challenge. While European basketball and the WNBA had become familiar terrain, the allure of playing under the bright lights of college basketball — in front of thousands of rabid fans at Thompson-Boling Arena — began to take hold.

Behind the scenes, Tennessee’s administration and compliance staff worked tirelessly with the NCAA, FIBA, and French Basketball Federation officials to secure Johannes’ eligibility. The precedent was minimal, but the intent was clear: college basketball, like every other part of the game, is going global.

The NCAA finally greenlit the transfer on June 3rd, 2025. And just days later, Marine Johannes made it official with a heartfelt post:
“I’m coming to Rocky Top. Let’s make history. #GoVols 🍊”

🎯 What This Means for Tennessee

This is not just a commitment. This is a statement.

Marine Johannes brings to Knoxville a level of flair, creativity, and court vision rarely seen at the collegiate level. She’s the kind of player who makes fans hold their breath with every possession — a magician with the ball, capable of behind-the-back passes, no-look assists, and off-balance threes that would make Steph Curry nod in approval.

With Tennessee already boasting a strong recruiting class and key returning pieces like Justine Pissott, Karoline Striplin, and Jillian Hollingshead, the addition of Johannes instantly transforms the Lady Vols from SEC contenders to national title favorites.

She’s not just another guard — she’s a floor general, a culture-setter, and a marketing dream. Expect Lady Vols ticket sales to soar, ESPN appearances to multiply, and Thompson-Boling to become the hottest arena in women’s hoops this winter.

🎥 Scouting Report: The Johannes Effect

Position: Combo Guard
Height: 5’11”
Age: 30
Nationality: France
Known for:

• Searing court vision
• Step-back threes
• No-look passes
• Euro-step finishes
• Elite pick-and-roll IQ

Marine Johannes is as unpredictable as she is unstoppable. She’s not a system player — she is the system. Give her the ball, set a high screen, and watch the magic unfold. Her ability to manipulate defenses, find teammates through slivers of space, and shoot from anywhere on the floor makes her a nightmare for opposing coaches.

Defensively, she’s disciplined, intelligent, and anticipates passing lanes with the instincts of a veteran. She may not be the most physically imposing guard, but she makes up for it with guile and positioning.

🇫🇷 A French Revolution in Knoxville

Tennessee has always had a proud tradition, but this move marks the dawn of a new era — one where international stardom merges with the legacy of Pat Summitt’s program.

Already, the French media are calling it a “colossal cultural export.” Coverage from L’Équipe, RMC Sport, and France 24 has spotlighted the move as a symbolic bridge between the EuroLeague and NCAA basketball. Johannes, who has played for Bourges, ASVEL, and the New York Liberty, will now be calling Knoxville home — and the Lady Vols fanbase is already preparing signs in French to welcome their new star.

Expect Rocky Top to become a mini-Francophone hotspot this fall.

📈 Strategic Impact: Final Four or Bust

Tennessee’s 2024–25 season ended in disappointment — a Sweet 16 exit to Iowa State, despite holding a double-digit second-half lead. The collapse stung, and while the core remains intact, the addition of Johannes wipes away any margin for error.

Coach Kellie Harper now faces the challenge — and blessing — of managing a team with star talent across the board.

Projected Starting Lineup (2025–26):

• PG: Marine Johannes
• SG: Justine Pissott
• SF: Avery Strickland
• PF: Karoline Striplin
• C: Jillian Hollingshead

With Johannes running the point, Tennessee will play faster, smarter, and with more offensive creativity than in recent memory. Expect a heavy dose of transition basketball, high pick-and-rolls, and dribble-handoff sequences. Harper has reportedly brought in a European assistant coach to help tailor the system to Johannes’ strengths.

🗣️ Reactions from the Basketball World

Candace Parker, Tennessee legend:
“Marine is the most exciting guard in the world. Tennessee just became must-see TV.”

Diana Taurasi, WNBA icon:
“She’s bringing EuroLeague flavor to college hoops. This is bigger than people realize.”

Kellie Harper, Tennessee Head Coach:
“Marine brings brilliance. She’s not just a player — she’s a creator, a leader, and a once-in-a-generation basketball mind. We’re ready to soar.”

WNBA Scouts:
Already buzzing. Johannes may use her NCAA stint to re-enter the WNBA in 2026 with even more leverage, perhaps aiming for a max contract and a leading role.

📅 What’s Next?

Marine Johannes will arrive in Knoxville in July to begin team activities and media obligations. An international fan event is scheduled for August 10th, with French cuisine and a meet-and-greet at the newly renovated Lady Vols Pavilion.

Fall practice begins in October, with the season opener against UConn already circled in red ink on the calendar. ESPN is reportedly planning a national broadcast with Doris Burke and Rebecca Lobo calling the game.

🧡 Legacy and Expectations

Tennessee has waited over a decade to return to the summit of women’s college basketball. With Marine Johannes, they may have finally found the X-factor that can guide them there.

The commitment is more than just a player signing — it’s a signal to the rest of the sport that Tennessee is back in the global spotlight. That Rocky Top isn’t just tradition — it’s transformation.

And if Johannes has her way, there will be banners raised, nets cut, and a brand-new chapter of Lady Vols legend forged.

Bienvenue à Knoxville, Marine. The Summit awaits.

Written by: Danielle Hartman
*Senior Women’s Basketball Correspondent, The Athletic Knoxville