2021-22 Hoops Transfers and Recruiting
Well, here we are again. I'd have had this out a few days ago, but Western Michigan decided to do a thing and well....it took a little while. Anyway, I'll keep this updated until things die down. I hope you enjoy.
Transfers and Commits:
Akron:
In:
Xavier Castañeda - Transferring from South Florida to Akron - Junior - 6’1” - PG - 3* recruit from Whitney Young HS (Chicago) - Castañeda has played 3 seasons at South Florida and as a junior, he played in 20 games (5 starts) averaging 23.9 minutes and 8.5 ppg/2.3 rpg/2.6 apg shooting 36% from the field (38.7% 3PT - 24 of 62) and 88.1% FT (37 of 42). Being a Chicago kid and coming from a good program like Young, this would have been a fun guy for Coach Burno to bring in, but alas...he’s going to Akron where Coach Groce has probably known him for a few years. Coming out of HS, Castañeda received additional offers from Tulsa, Iowa State, Missouri, Kent State, UIC, Miami (OH), Drake, Valparaiso, Milwaukee, Loyola, Wichita State, and UTEP.
Out:
Jermaine Marshall - Transferring to Samford from Akron - Sophomore - 6’6” - PF - 2* recruit from DME Sports Academy - Attended Hueytown HS (Birmingham, AL) - Marshall started his collegiate career at Florida SouthWestern State College (Ft. Myers - JUCO) before transferring to Akron. At Akron, Marshall played one season playing 17 games (1 start) and averaging 7.7 minutes and 2.5 ppg/2.8 rpg while shooting 37.9% from the field (22.2% 3PT - 4 of 18) and 81% FT (17 of 21). Coming out of HS/JUCO, Marshall received additional offers from Wingate, North Alabama, Drake, FGCU, Kent State, UAB, Fresno State, Southern Miss, Sam Houston State, James Madison, and Fordham.
Cam Reece - Transferring from Akron to Pacific - Senior - 6’7” - PF - 2* recruit from Oakland Tech HS (Oakland, CA) - Reece started his collegiate career at Sheridan College (Sheridan, WY) before transferring to Akron. At Akron, Reece played 2 seasons. As a senior, Reece played 23 games (3 starts) averaging 16.4 minutes and 6.4 ppg/4.5 rpg shooting 65.9% from the field (attempted 0 3PTers) and 72.1% FT (31 of 43). I believe Reece will be a grad transfer so I presume he’s graduated from Akron. Coming out of HS/JUCO, Reece received one additional offer (coming out of JUCO) from Florida A&M.
Tre Edwards - Transferring from Akron to UMBC - RS Freshman - 6’6” - SG - 2* recruit from Link Year Prep School (Branson, MO - born in Hamilton, ON where he attended Hamilton Heights Christian Academy) - Edwards played one season at Akron where he played in 5 games averaging 0.8 minutes and 1.2 ppg. Coming out of HS, Edwards received additional offers from Arkansas State, New Mexico, FAU, Weber State and Buffalo.
Taylor Currie - Transferring from Akron to Harding University (Searcy, AR - D-II) - RS Sophomore - 6’10” - C - 3* recruit from Clarkston HS (Clarkston, MI) - Currie started his collegiate career at Wisconsin where he redshirted and then transferred to Mott CC (Flint, MI) before transferring to Akron where he played in 6 games (0 starts) averaging 2.7 minutes and 1.5 ppg/0.7 rpg shooting 66.7% from the field (4 of 6) and 50% FT (1 of 2). I feel like Currie is/was Akron’s version of Owen Hamilton except Currie started out at Wisconsin whereas Hamilton ended up there. Coming out of HS, Currie had additional offers from Oakland, Michigan and Xavier. Being 6’10” has its advantages but if that’s all you’ve got, it doesn’t have staying power.
Ball State:
In:
Tyler Cochran - Transferring from NIU to Ball State - Sophomore - 6’2” - SG - 2* recruit from Bolingbrook HS (Bolingbrook, IL) - Well, this one stings. More power to ya Tyler. But I’m sad to see you leave. I was really looking forward to seeing how he’d develop under Coach Burno. Anyway...Cochran played 2 seasons at NIU and as a sophomore, Cochran had a breakout season playing in 12 games (11 starts) averaging 32.3 minutes and 15.5 ppg/7.3 rpg/2 apg/1.7 apg shooting 45.3% from the field (22.2% 3PT - 4 of 18) and 62.2% FT (28 of 45). Coming out of HS, Cochran received additional offers from UIC, Tennessee State, Western Michigan and Toledo. Honestly, this is probably going to be one of those “the grass is always greener/grab the opportunity when you get it/never criticize a guy for making a decision that he feels is best for him” type of situation. I hope he doesn’t regret this because he could have been a big part of the turnaround at NIU and still had 2 years of eligibility left. Oh well...c'est la vie Tyler.
Demarius Jacobs - Transferring from Saint Louis to Ball State - Junior - 6’2” - SG - 2* recruit from Hillcrest Prep (Chicago) - Jacobs has spent 3 seasons at Saint Louis. He started 29 games as a sophomore but was pushed back to a bench player this past season. I do know that Saint Louis had a really long COVID issue and missed a big chunk of games. Many feel that, as a pre-season favorite to contend for the A-10 title, the extended break with the illness really sapped their mojo and they never really could get anything going. Last season, Jacobs played in 20 games (0 starts) averaging 14.7 minutes and 4.9 ppg/1.5 rpg shooting 50% from the field (33.3% 3PT - 11 of 33) and 78.% FT (25 of 32). I honestly am not sure what happened with him at Saint Louis. From what I’ve read, Billikens fans aren’t too happy to see him go but, considering he had lost his starting job, figured he’d transfer. Either way, I think Ball State is going to be a real darn good team this year and Jacobs makes them better. Obviously, if they could have held onto El-Amin, this move most likely isn’t made. Is he as good as El-Amin? Probably not but he’s a good replacement (to go along with a certain someone from Bolingbrook…). Coming out of HS, Jacobs received additional offers from Arizona State (Coach Burno???), Western Kentucky, Green Bay, Central Connecticut, Denver, Drake, LIU, SIU, North Dakota, UTEP, Chicago State, and Illinois.
Mickey Pearson, Jr. - Transferring from TCU to Ball State - RS Freshman - 6’7” - SF - 3.5* recruit from Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, VA - born in Lincoln, AL) - Pearson spent two seasons at TCU (first year was a redshirt) and in his only season on the court as a Horned Frog, Pearson, Jr played in 19 games (1 start) averaging 7.5 minutes and 1.2 ppg/0.9 rpg shooting 40.9% from the field (15.4% 3PT - 2 of 13) and 37.5% FT (3 of 8). Pearson just has all of the hallmarks of a guy who could have been really good at a mid-major (and definitely still has time to do so) but chose the bigger route and for (probably) a number of reasons, found himself mucking away in the middle of the roster. This is another good pickup for Ball State. That team is going to be a handful this next season. Coming out of HS, Pearson Jr. received additional offers from Eastern Kentucky, Troy, Samford, St. Bonaventure, Robert Morris, Wofford, Stony Brook, Bradley, Campbell, St. Louis and Rutgers.
Out:
Ishmael El-Amin - Transferring to Rhode Island from Ball State - Senior - 6’1” - PG - 3* recruit from Hopkins HS (Minneapolis, MN) - El-Amin played 4 seasons a Ball State and was a regular all 4 seasons becoming a starter his junior season. As a senior, El-Amin started all 23 games averaging 33.5 minutes and 16.2 ppg/3 rpg/2.9 apg/1.3 spg shooting 40.1% from the field (31.7% 3PT - 53 of 167) and 88.1% FT (59 of 67). Simply put, Ball State is losing their leader. Now, to be fair, I believe he has graduated and is transferring as a grad student even though he could have chosen to return to Ball Stat for one more season. But, he’s leaving and I’m really interested in where he’s going to land. He’s a heck of a player. Coming out of HS, El-Amin received additional offers from DePaul, Texas Tech, Nevada, Green Bay, Tennessee Tech, and Denver.
Jarron Coleman - Transferring from Ball State to Missouri - RS SO - 6’5” - SG - 3* recruit from Cathedral HS (Indianapolis) - Coleman played 2 seasons at Ball State. As a sophomore, Coleman played in 13 games (10 starts) averaging 27 minutes and 13.8 ppg/5.2 rpg/3.2 apg shooting 47.4% from the field (42.5% 3PT - 31 of 73) and 78.1% FT (25 of 32). This one has to sting for Ball State to lose a sophomore who was supplying valuable minutes and contributing. Not only that, but this is the 2nd of 2 very good players who will not be returning to the Cardinals next season (granted, El-Amin had graduated but he is making an effort to continue his playing career elsewhere). Coming out of HS, Coleman received additional offers from Robert Morris, Western Illinois, IUPUI, and Northern Kentucky.
Zach Gunn - Transferring from Ball State to IUPUI - RS Junior - 6’6” - PF - 3* recruit from Hamilton Southeastern HS (Fishers, IN) - Gunn played 3 seasons at Ball State. In his RS Junior season, Gunn played in 17 games (3 starts) averaging 10.4 minutes and 3.4 ppg/2.2 rpg shooting 43.5% from the field (40% 3PT - 14 of 35) and 80% FT (4 of 5). After Gunn’s sophomore season, it appeared he was on his way to being a pretty productive player for Ball State but an injury which derailed his 3rd season seems to have also set him back from a production standpoint. Coming out of HS, Gunn received additional offers from Butler, Saint Louis, Indiana State, Indiana, and IUPUI.
K.J. Walton - Transferring from Ball State to Akron - RS Senior - 6’3” - SG - 3.7* recruit from Brownsburg HS (Brownsburg, IN) - I’m guessing this guy is a grad transfer because he’s made a career...and I mean a CAREER...out of playing college basketball. Walton started his collegiate career way back in 2015 at Missouri where he played 2 seasons before transferring to Ball State where he has been for 4 seasons (had to sit one due to the transfer). At Ball State, he’s played in 3 seasons primarily as a starter. Last season, he played in and started 20 games averaging 29.3 minutes and 16.4 ppg shooting 54.3% from the field (0 for 3 from behind the arc) and 79.3% FT (73 of 92). Considering this is a grad transfer, Ball State can’t be too upset he’s leaving but it’s got to sting a bit anyway. Coming out of HS, Walton received additional offers from Minnesota, Xavier, and Illinois State.
Bowling Green:
In:
Samari Curtis - Transferring to Bowling Green from Evansville - Sophomore - 6’4” - SG - 3-4* recruit from Xenia HS (Xenia, OH) - Curtis started his collegiate career at Nebraska where he redshirted his first season and then transferred to Evansville for a season. At Evansville, Curtis played in 17 games (0 starts) averaging 22.1 minutes and 10.1 ppg/2.4 rpg shooting 45.6% from the field (38% 3PT - 27 of 71) and 77.5% FT (31 of 40). Curtis has had quite the history as he was named Mr. Basketball in Ohio and then committed to Xavier before de-committing and enrolling at Cincinnati. There, before he ever stepped foot on campus, he de-committed yet again and signed on at Nebraska. Apparently, both coaches who recruited him had left their school so he opted to move on...which I definitely support. As for his transfer to BG? It appears he just wanted to and is probably taking advantage of the lax restrictions right now to make it happen. Either way, he seems pleased to be a Falcon. It only took him 5 schools to figure it out. In HS, Curtis received additional offers from Virginia Tech, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo, Kent State, and Xavier. Most of these schools he actually enrolled in. I suppose he took the “kicking the tires” approach.
Myron Gordon - Transferring from Samford to Bowling Green - RS Senior - 6’3” - PG - 2* recruit from Bordentown Regional HS (Bordentown, NJ) - Gordon played his first two seasons at Harcum College (Mawr, PA - JUCO) before transferring to Samford. In his first year at Samford, Gordon was a full time starter making starts in 32 of 33 games, however ast year, he played 10 games (2 starts) averaging 25 minutes and 15.6 ppg shooting 46.6% from the field (31.6% 3PT - 12 of 38) and 75% from the line (36 of 48). Why this guy lost his starting position at Samford is a mystery to me. Now, I’ll be the first to acknowledge, I know nothing about Samford basketball other than they’re terrible. I’m guessing it was due to there being a new coach but Gordon was still putting up 15+ points per game from a bench role. But if you’re putting up numbers like that on a team that is terrible, I can totally see why he’s looking to play elsewhere. Anyway, coming out of HS, Gordon received no offers but coming out of JUCO, he received one additional offer from Maryland-Eastern Shore.
Brenton Mills - Transferring from Binghampton to Bowling Green - Sophomore - 6’3” - SG - 2* recruit from Phillips Academy-Andover (Andover, MA - prior school was Allen HS, Allen, TX) - Mills has played 2 seasons at Binghampton and has started since day one (although, Binghamton is one of the worst teams in a conference, America East, that outside of a couple of teams [UMBC and Vermont] isn’t a very strong conference). Last season, Mills played in 16 games (15 starts) averaging 32.3 minutes and 13.9 ppg shooting 40.8% from the field (40.2% 3PT - 33 of 82) and 73.5% FT - 25 of 34). It appears BGSU got themselves a pretty good, veteran presence transfer here. Coming out of HS, Mills received additional offers from Bucknell, Boston University, and Robert Morris.
Gabe O’Neal - Transferring from Kent State to Bowling Green - Junior - 6’7” - PF - 2* recruit from Princeton HS (Cincinnati, OH) - O’Neal started his collegiate career at Mineral Area CC (Park Hills, MO) where he played two seasons before transferring to Kent State. At KSU, O’Neal played one season where he played in 22 games (1 start) averaging 11 mpg and 4.7 ppg/3 rpg shooting 64.2% from the field and 81% FT (17 of 21). Kind of a late transfer declaration. Coming out of HS, O’Neal received no additional offers but coming out of CC, he received one additional offer from Southeast Missouri State.
Joe Reece - Transferring from Old Dominion to Bowling Green - Junior - 6’8” - PF - 2* recruit from East St. Louis Senior HS (East St. Louis - born in St. Louis) - Being from southern Illinois, I remember hearing a lot about Joe Reece as a senior as ESL. That little factoid isn’t all that relevant to this story but I thought I’d share it anyway...anyway… Reece started his career and spent 3 seasons at Old Dominion where he became a starter about halfway through his sophomore campaign. In his junior year with the Monarchs, Reece played in 22 games (all starts) averaging 25.5 minutes and 7.8 ppg/5.1 rpg shooting 46.5% from the field (25.6% 3PT - 10 of 39) and 53.8% FT (28 of 52). Reece is a good inside presence as he’s big and strong and can log a lot of minutes and give decent production in the paint, both offensively and defensively as long as he isn’t challenged to a free throw shooting competition. Coming out of HS, Reece received additional offers from Saint Louis, Kansas State, Duquesne, Missouri State, Murray State, and Tennessee-Martin.
Out:
Davin Zeigler - Transferring from Bowling Green to Indian Hills CC (Ottumwa, IA) - Sophomore - 6’3” - SG - Zeigler was a 2* recruit from Benedictine HS in Cleveland and received additional offers out of HS from Wright State, UC Riverside, Cleveland State, and Youngstown State. In two seasons as BGSU, Zeigler was a regular as a freshman playing in 24 games (8 starts) averaging 10.6 minutes and 2.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg shooting 29.6% from the field (27.3% 3PT - 3 of 11). As a sophomore though, Zeigler only played in 6 games with 0 starts.
Jacob Washington - Transferring from Bowling Green to Humbolt State (D-II - Arcata, CA) - RS Junior - 6’8” - PF - 2* recruit from George Washington Prep HS (Los Angeles) - Washington started his collegiate playing career at Los Angeles Harbor College and then transferred to Cerritos College (Norwalk, CA) (both community colleges) before transferring to Bowling Green for a season and it looks like he off to the university to discuss yet another transfer….(The ‘Burbs fans might catch that movie quote). As a junior at BGSU, Washington played in 25 games (2 starts) averaging 10.1 minutes and 3 ppg/2.4 rpg shooting 47.6% from the field and 71.4% FT (15 of 21). I assume he’s leaving because of playing time. I didn’t watch many (if any at all) of Bowling Green’s games so I’m not sure why they didn’t have much use for a dude his size who seemed to contribute when he was in the game. But I’m sure it’s something that can’t be gleaned from his stat line. Anyway, coming out of HS or JUCO (either one), Washington received no other offers inquiring about his services so it doesn’t appear this guy is all that in demand. I’d suspect a move to the lower levels of college basketball where he can use his 6’8” physique to its fullest extent.
Buffalo:
In:
Maceo Jack - Transferring to Buffalo from George Washington - Grad Transfer - 6’5” - SG - Jack was a 2* recruit from St. Thomas More School in Connecticut (prep school). He was born in Buffalo and attended Williamsville North HS. He received additional offers out of HS from LIU, Central Connecticut, Canisius, Manhattan, and Wagner. Jack played 4 seasons at GW and was a starter during his sophomore and junior seasons. This year, as a senior, he only played in 7 games (1 start), however GW had as many COVID-19 issues as our own Huskies had so they only played 17 games (8 in conference). Both as a soph and a junior, Jack averaged more than 11 ppg while starting 28 games in both seasons. His seasons are almost identical so I will highlight his junior season where he averaged 35.8 minutes scoring 11.7 ppg and 2.7 rpg while shooting 38.6% from the field (34.2% 3PT - 83 of 243) and 83.6% from the line (46 of 55). Seems like a pretty good grab to bring the Buffalo native back home for the Bulls.
Ty Perry - Transferring from Fordham to Buffalo - Junior - 6’3” - PG - 2* recruit from Woodstock Academy (Woodstock, CT - born in Boston, MA) - Perry spent his first 3 collegiate seasons at Fordham. In his final season as a Ram, Perry played in 11 games (2 starts) averaging 18.9 minutes and 7.5 ppg/2 rpg shooting 33.3% from the field (30% 3PT - 15 of 50) and 80% FT (20 of 25). Perry has, for the most part, been a valuable asset off the bench. Granted, that was at Fordham, which is far from the same level of program as Buffalo so it’ll be interesting to see if he can bring his experience to the Bulls and be as useful. Coming out of HS, Perry received one other offer which was from St. Bonaventure.
Out:
Chanse Robinson - Transferring from Buffalo to Grambling - Freshman - 6’1” - PG - 3.5* recruit from Lincoln Prep School in Grambling, LA - Chanse’s transfer was reported back in early January and reports stated it was due to “personal reasons'' and at the time the article was published, they could not confirm if he was still enrolled in school at the time. In his one and only season at Buffalo, Robinson played in 1 game, played 10 minutes and didn’t score. Coming out of HS, Robinson received additional offers from TCU, Tulane, Grambling, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana, Seton Hall, Houston, Wichita State, VCU, Ole Miss, Western Kentucky and Missouri. Depending on how things played out, I’m kind of surprised he didn’t end up at one of the Louisiana schools who were interested and maybe he regretted his decision and...honestly..who wouldn’t grow real tired of a Buffalo winter when you’re from Louisiana?
Savion Gallion - Undecided on transfer destination - Sophomore - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from Mt. Zion Prep School (Lanham, MD - born in Washington, D.C. - previously attended Thurgood Marshall HS in D.C.) - Gallion played 2 seasons a Buffalo. As a sophomore, Gallion played in 12 games (0 starts) averaging 0.6 minutes and 1.5 ppg/0.6 rpg/0.4 apg shooting 29.2% from the field (13.3% 3PT - 2 of 15) and 50% FT (2 of 4). Coming out of HS, Gallion received offers from Delaware State and James Madison and coming out of prep school, he received additional offers from Youngstown State and Illinois State.
Malik Zachery - Undecided on transfer destination - RS Sophomore - 6’2” - PG - 3* recruit from Springfield Commonwealth Academy (Springfield, MA - born in Syracuse, NY) - Kind of late to put yourself in the portal but...I’m sure he knows what is best for him. Zachary played two seasons at Chipola College (JUCO - Marianna, FL) before transferring to Buffalo. At Chipola, Zachary was pretty good. He was a starter and a steady contributor. At Buffalo though, he never stepped onto the court. He apparently had some legal issues at Buffalo when he stabbed a player (yes….STABBED a player) during a fight in a pickup game with Canisius. Anyway, in a move to move on with his academics and basketball career at Buffalo, Zachery withdrew his not guilty plea and agreed to lesser charges and then was promptly suspended indefinitely from the Buffalo basketball team because...well...because...OF COURSE! Coming out of HS, Zachery received an offer from Sienna. Coming out of JUCO, he received additional offers from Ole Miss, California, Canisius (oh, the irony!), Massachusetts, Stony Brook, Coastal Carolina, Southern Miss, Middle Tennessee, Southeast Louisiana, McNeese State, Nebraska, Eastern Michigan, Sam Houston State, Fresno State, SIU, and UCF.
Central Michigan:
In:
Miroslav Stafl - Transferring from Hartford to Central Michigan - 6’10” - C - 2* recruit from Get Better Academy (Czech Republic - born in Liberec, CR) - Stafl played two seasons at Hartford. Last season, Stafl played in 19 games (15 starts) averaging 26.5 minutes and 10.3 ppg/5.5 rpg shooting 53.4% from the field (32% 3PT - 8 of 25) and 55.8% FT - 29 of 52). Probably a pretty good pickup for the Chips to get a big that has D-1 experience and can apparently score. The America East isn’t the best conference but there’s some talent at the top, although Hartford is more of a middle tier team in that conference even though they did win their conference tournament to go dancing against Baylor. Coming out of “high school”, Stafl received no additional offers.
Cameron Healy - Transferring from Albany to Central Michigan - RS Junior - 6’3” - SG - 2* recruit from Montverde Academy Center for Basketball Development (Montverde, FL - born in Wahroonga, Australia) - Healy has spent three seasons at Albany. In his last season as a Great Dane, Healy played in 12 games (2 starts) averaging 11.4 minutes and 3.2 ppg/1.2 rpg shooting 26.1% from the field (23.1% 3PT - 6 of 26) and 88.9% FT (8 of 9). His stats in his first 2 seasons at Albany were much, much better when he was basically a full time starter. He started 32 of 32 games as a freshman and 23 of 31 as a sophomore. If he can regain his previous form, he could be a pretty good outside threat for the Chips. Coming out of HS, Healy received additional offers from Cal Poly, Canisius, and St. Francis (PA).
Brian Taylor - Transferring from UIC to Central Michigan - Sophomore - 6’6” - SG - 2* recruit from Detroit Edison Public School Academy - Taylor spent his first 2 collegiate seasons at UIC. In his last season as a Flame, Taylor played in 15 games (4 starts) averaging 13.1 minutes and 3.1 ppg/1.2 rpg shooting 50% from the field (31.8% 3PT - 7 of 22) and 50% FT (5 of 10). His freshman stats are a tad better but basically the same playing time and scoring average. He will most likely fill a bench role for the Chips. Coming out of HS, Taylor received additional offers from Northwood University (D-II - Midland, MI), Wayne State (D-II - Detroit, MI), Detroit Mercy, Canisius (this is the third consecutive player who was offered and turned down the Golden Griffins), Stony Brook, Little Rock, LIU, Elon, and Youngstown State.
Jermaine Jackson, Jr. - Transferring from LIU toCentral Michigan - RS Junior - 5’10” - PG - 3* recruit from Dakota High School (Macomb County, MI - born in Shelby Township, MI) - Jackson started his collegiate basketball career at Detroit Mercy where he played 1 season for the Titans. From there, he transferred to LIU where he spent 2 seasons. As a RS Junior for the Sharks, Jackson played in and started 15 games averaging 33.3 minutes and 15 ppg/2.6 rpg/3.5 apg shooting 36.7% from the field (34% 3PT - 36 of 106) and 86.4% FT (51 of 59). I’m gonna have to say this is a nice pickup for the Chips. While miniature, Jackson has logged a lot of minutes. At Detroit Mercy as a true freshman, he was primarily a starter. For whatever reason (I’m not fully invested in looking into it) he was basically a part-time starter at LIU his 1st year there but became a full time starter with huge minute totals and really good production in his 2nd season. So, yeah...good pickup Coach Barbee. As a high schooler, Jackson was getting a lot of attention and offers as an underclassman. Schools like SMU, Northwestern, DePaul, Georgia Tech, and Auburn were very interested. But, much like a recruit we just landed, when you don’t grow, those offers start to dry up. But we see here where a guy like this can be a serious contributor at the mid-major level. Coming out of HS, Jackson received additional offers from Colorado (a little earlier than the other three listed here), Oakland, Toledo and Duquesne.
Chris Baldwin - Transferring from Texas Southern to Central Michigan - RS Senior - 6’9” - PF - 3* recruit from Notre Dame Prep School (Fitchburg, MA - born in Springfield, MA) - Baldwin started his career at Massachusetts where he spent 2 years as a Minuteman before transferring to Texas Southern where he played for 2 more seasons. In his last season as a Tiger, Baldwin played in 17 games (0 starts) averaging 7.9 minutes and 3.1 ppg/2.4 rpg shooting 37% from the field (7.7% 3PT - 1 of 13) and 65.4% FT (17 of 26). Baldwin has experience and he’s a big guy but he’s just never been a core player. In 4 seasons split between UMass and Texas Southern, he’s started a total of 11 games. So, he should provide experience and bench presence to the Chips next season. Coming out of HS, Baldwin received additional offers from La Salle, Temple and West Virginia.
Out:
Deschon Winston - Transferring from Central Michigan to De La Salle University (Manilla, Philippines) - Grad Transfer - 6’4” - PG - 3* recruit from Birmingham Community Charter School (Los Angeles) - Winston started his collegiate career at the City College of San Francisco before transferring to California for a season where he played in 25 games with 2 starts. He then transferred to Central Michigan and had to sit his junior season. As a RS Junior (2019-20), Winston played in 32 games (7 starts) averaging 21.6 minutes and 5.9 ppg and 2.2 rpg/2.3 apg shooting 34.9% from the field (29.1% 3PT - 16 of 55) and 67.9% from the line (38 of 56). He did not play this current season and is now attempting to transfer, presumably, as a grad transfer. Coming out of HS/JUCO, Winston received additional offers from Arizona State and IUPUI.
PJ Mitchell - Undecided on transfer destination -RS Sophomore - 6’0” - PG - 2* recruit from Loyola HS (Detroit) - Mitchell has played two seasons at Central Michigan. As a sophomore, Mitchell played 23 games (1 start) averaging 14 minutes and 2.6 ppg/0.7 rpg/1.2 apg shooting 31.1% from the field (32.1% 3PT - 9 of 28) and 65% FT (13 of 20). Coming out of HS, Mitchell received no other offers other than from Central Michigan. I’m figuring he’s going to transfer down a level. He’s not impressed at this level and not really grasped a starting role on a team that provided plenty of opportunity to outshine the incumbents.
Ra’Shad Weekly-McDaniels - Transferring from Central Michigan to Moberly Area CC (Moberly, MO) - Freshman - 6’1” - PG - 2* recruit from Trinity Catholic HS (St. Louis) - As a freshman at CMU, Weekly-McDaniels played 15 games (0 starts) averaging 3.3 minutes and 1.1 ppg (I mean...that’s like a point a minute…)/0.5 rpg shooting 40% from the field (40% 3PT - 2 of 5) and 50% FT (2 of 4). I’m gonna be honest, I grew up in the St. Louis area and I’ve never heard of Trinity Catholic (and I’m Catholic). Now, I’m from far enough away that I’m more familiar with the schools that compete for titles and/or produce the area’s top talent. I’m not saying anything….just saying….St. Louis isn’t that big of an area. Anyway, I suppose this kid is going to go JUCO and try to spin that off into another D-I opportunity. Don’t be surprised if he ends up at Tallahassee CC (I need to see who they’ve inked so far this year). Coming out of HS, Weekly-McDaniels received additional offers from Milwaukee, SIU-e, and Western Illinois.
Ralph Bissainthe - Undecided on transfer destination - RS Junior - 6’7” - SF - 2* recruit from McArthur HS (North Miami/Hollywood, FL) - Bissainthe played a year at UIC and then transferred to Florida Southwestern State (Ft. Myers - JUCO) for a year before transferring to Central Michigan where he’s been the past two seasons. Last year, as a RS Junior, Bissainthe played in 23 games (5 starts) averaging 22.6 minutes and 7.7 ppg/5 rpg shooting 37.9% from the floor (32.4% 3PT - 24 of 74) and 61.1% FT (44 of 72). There’s a good change Bissainthe has graduated as he’s spent 4 years in college already and could be moving on as a grad transfer with 2 years of eligibility remaining. He seemed to be a decent contributor for the Chips but with the change in the HC position, he probably figured now was as good a time as any to move on himself. Coming out HS, Bissainthe received his only offer from UIC and coming out of JUCO, it was the same situation with CMU.
Meikkel Murray - Undecided on transfer location - Junior - 6’6” - SF - 2* recruit from Lee Academy (Lee, ME - previously attended Amherst Regional HS, Amherst, MA - born in The Bronx, NY) - Murray played two seasons at Coffeyville College (Coffeyville, KS - JUCO) before transferring to Central Michigan where he played 1 season. Last year, Murray played and started 23 games averaging 31 minutes and 15.6 ppg shooting 51.9% from the field (26.7% 3PT - 4 of 15) and 65.9% FT (60 of 91). Murray is a nice player but, as we know, this is what happens when a coach is let go (even one that isn’t being successful). Guys just move on. Anyway, coming out of HS, Murray received no offers but coming out of JUCO, he received additional offers from Albany, Portland State, Jacksonville State, CSU Bakersfield, Stony Brook, Lamar, and Georgia Southern. Take a look at that list. That’s New York, Oregon, Alabama, California, Texas, and Georgia. That’s quite the swath of the country to be getting offers from.
Caleb Huffman - Undecided on transfer destination - Junior - 6’4” - SG - 2* recruit from Broken Arrow HS (Broken Arrow, OK). I didn’t even have to look up where that high school is to know it was in Oklahoma. Huffman started his career at Iowa Western CC (Council Bluffs, IA - I think I know a guy who used to coach there...but I’m not 100% certain...anyway...enough about me) where he played 2 seasons before transferring to Central Michigan. At CMU, Huffman played 1 season where he played in 23 games (5 starts) averaging 24.1 minutes and 13.3 ppg shooting 46.8% from the field (33.7% 3PT - 31 of 92) and 70.7% FT (41 of 58). Another nice player who put up double digits (this time as a bench player) the Chips are losing. Sometimes I see this stuff and I wonder how bad a coach is or became when the program is losing multiple guys who seem (on paper) to be kinda good, but the team sucks. Oh well, coming out of HS, Huffman received offers from Denver, Oral Roberts, and Tulsa and then coming out of JUCO, he received an additional offer from Saint Peter’s.
Braden Burke - Undecided on transfer destination - RS Senior - 7’0” - C - 2* recruit from Lakeshore HS (St. Clair Shores, MI - born in Stevensville, MI) - Burke started his career at Robert Morris where he actually played a lot as a true freshman but he chose to transfer to Michigan State where he was on the team for 2 seasons before transferring to Central Michigan last year. The move to Michigan State is curious and something I think many of us are examining right now. On one hand, the kid was probably always an MSU fan and dreamed of being a Spartan. So, you can’t really blame him for that. But he rarely played. He left a situation where he was clearly going to be a starter and prominent player to being practice fodder and one of the last guys on the bench. Maybe his move to Central Michigan was a last ditch effort to stick close to home but regain that playing time he left at Robert Morris? Alas, that didn’t happen either as he only played in 4 games (0 starts) while averaging 7.3 minutes and 1 ppg shooting 33.3% from the field and didn’t even shoot any free throws. Last year was weird, as we all know. So, his playing time might have really been negatively impacted by COVID. But even in the games he played in...he barely played. And didn’t play particularly well. And for a 7 footer who spent two seasons at MSU, I have to assume many associated with CMU basketball had higher expectations. Coming out of HS, Burke received additional offers from Youngstown State, Appalachian State, Oakland and Stetson.
Malik Muhammad - Undecided on transfer destination - Junior - 6’9” - C - 2* recruit from Nathaniel Narbonne HS (Los Angeles, CA) - Muhammad spent his first two seasons at East Los Angeles College (JUCO - Monterey Park, CA) before transferring to CMU where he played one season in which he played in 19 games (14 starts) averaging 21.6 minutes and 5.5 ppg/5.8 rpg shooting 54.2% from the field and 63.4% FT (26 of 41). Coming out of HS and/or JUCO, Muhammad received no other offers than from CMU.
Eastern Michigan:
In:
Colin Golston, Jr. - Transferring from Siena to Eastern Michigan - 6’7” - PF - 2* recruit from Ferndale HS (Ferndale, MI - born in Detroit) - Golston, Jr. started his career at Siena and played 1 season where he played in 13 games (4 starts) averaging 19.1 minutes and 5.2 ppg/3.1 rpg shooting 50% from the field (37.5% 3PT - 9 of 24) and 44.4% FT (4 of 9). Gotta like a big man with D-1 experience even though it looks like he may not be all that good from the line...but seems to be just fine from behind the arc. Coming out of HS, Golston, Jr. received no other offers.
Monty Scott - Transferring from Portland State to Eastern Michigan - RS Senior - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from St. Benedict’s Prep School (Newark, NJ - born in Union, NJ) - Scott has made the rounds. He started his collegiate career at Kennesaw State where he played two seasons and then transferred to Temple for a season before finally transferring to Portland State where he played in 22 games (20 starts) averaging 28.9 minutes and 13.7 ppg/5 rpg shooting 37.6% from the field (31.1% 3PT - 28 of 90) and 63.4% FT (64 of 101). I have to say, this is a good pickup for Coach Heath. Scott only has one year of eligibility but he brings experience and and ability to score to a team that is desperately needing something...anything...to help bridge the gap to the future and Scott should definitely do that and lend some veteran leadership. The Eagles probably won’t be any good next year but that doesn’t mean a guy like Scott won’t be valuable to them. Coming out of HS, Scott received offers from Loyola Marymount, Rider, Delaware, East Carolina, Fairfield, Drexel, Manhattan, FGCU, La Salle, Vermont, St. Bonaventure, and Fairleigh Dickinson.
Out:
Bryce McBride - Undecided on transfer destination - Junior - 6’2” - PG - 2* recruit from South Side HS (Jackson, TN) - McBride started his collegiate career at Motlow CC (Smyrna, TN) and then transferred to Dyersburg State CC (TN) before transferring to Eastern Michigan. In his one season at EMU, McBride played in 18 games (15 starts) averaging 31.9 minutes and 13.7 ppg/2.4 rpg/2.6 apg shooting 39.1% from the field (34.3% 3PT - 34 of 99) and 83.7% FT (72 of 86). The Eagles are going to miss McBride as he was an instant contributor to an otherwise lackluster team this year. It’ll be interesting if he’ll parlay his good season into a higher level program or if he just wanted to get away from Rob Murphy who STILL has a job (at the time of this writing...he did still have a job...he does have a job...it's just not with EMU any more). Coming out of HS, McBride received no offers.
Chris James - Undecided on transfer destination - Sophomore - 6’2” - PG - 2* recruit from St. John Bosco HS (Hammond, IN) born in Long Beach, CA - James played 2 seasons at EMU. As a sophomore, he played in 16 games (7 starts) averaging 16.6 minutes and 3.7 ppg/2.1 rpg shooting 30.5% from the field (27.6% 3PT - 17 of 51) and 62.5% FT (15 of 24). Losing James probably isn’t a big deal but coupled with the loss of McBride, leaves the Eagles much thinner on experience at the guard position. Coming out of HS, James received no other offers.
Miles Gibson - Undecided on transfer destination - RS Junior - 6’6” - SF - 2* recruit from Millwood School (Midlothian, VA - born in Richmond, VA) - Gibson started his collegiate career at Northwest Tech (JUCO - Goodland, KS) where he played two seasons before transferring to EMU. At Eastern Michigan, Gibson spent 2 seasons but only played this past season. This year, he played in 16 games (6 starts) averaging 20.8 minutes and 6.7 ppg/4.4 rpg shooting 37.3% from the field (26.7% 3PT - 4 of 15) and 91.3% FT (21 of 23). Coming out of HS, Gibson received an offer from Howard, but coming out of JUCO, he was much more suited as he received additional offers from Hampton, Albany, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Southern, Detroit Mercy, Hartford, Longwood, Sam Houston State, Brown, New Hampshire.
Yeikson Montero - Senior - Forgoing his final year of eligibility to play professionally - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from Redemption Christian Academy (I think...Troy, NY - born in Santo Domingo, DR) - Montero started his collegiate career at Pensacola State College before transferring to Eastern Michigan where he played 2 seasons. As a senior, Montero played and started all 18 games, averaging 29.8 minutes and 12.9 ppg/5.4 rpg/2.2 spg/1.3 apg shooting 43.1% from the field (33% 3PT - 33 of 100) and 65.2% FT (30 of 46). Coming out of JUCO, Montero received additional offers from Troy, Bowling Green, Coastal Carolina, Robert Morris, St. Peter’s, San José State, McNeese, FIU, and Hofstra.
Other than him leaving EMU to play professionally, I can’t find any other information about him or this decision. Obviously, his head coach is no longer the head coach so that may have something to do with it.
Ty Groce - Transferring from Eastern Michigan to Butler - RS SR - 6’8” - SF - 2* recruit from Lincoln HS (Ypsilanti, MI) - Groce played 4 seasons for the Eagles and became a full time starter as a junior. In his senior season, Groce played and started all 18 games averaging 33 minutes and 15.2 ppg/6.9rpg/2 apg/1.3 spg shooting 53% from the field (34% 3PT - 16 of 47) and 72.3% FT (47 of 65). Even though he’s a graduated senior and is moving on from Eastern Michigan, the simple fact that he’ll be playing elsewhere has to sting the fan(s) of the Eagles. Obviously, with a new coach, EMU will be going through a rebuilding phase and I don’t blame Groce one bit for wanting to play his final season some other place. Coming out of HS, Groce received additional offers from Northeastern (where he initially signed to play but transferred to EMU before he ever stepped on the court), Illinois State, Kent State, Oakland, Cornell, Toledo, Rice, Detroit Mercy, Akron, Duquesne, and Central Michigan.
Chris Barnes - Undecided on transfer destination - RS Senior - 6’4” - SG - 2* recruit from Compton HS (Compton, CA) - Barnes has moved around A LOT in his collegiate career and it appears he is choosing to do so yet again. Barnes started his basketball career at Angelina College (Lufkin, TX). He then transferred to UTEP where he played 16 games. He then transferred to Tulsa and had to sit a year before playing 31 games. He then transferred to Eastern Michigan where he played in 23 games (3 starts) averaging 15.3 minutes and 5.1 ppg/0.9 rpg shooting 46% from the field (23.1% 3PT - 3 of 13) and 78.6% FT (22 of 28). And now he’s on the move again. Good luck wanderer. Coming out of HS, Barnes received an offer from Portland State.
Noah Morgan - Undecided on transfer destination - Senior - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from Mount Vernon HS (Mount Vernon, NY) - Morgan started his collegiate career at Fairleigh Dickinson where I think he spent 2 seasons but I seriously can’t find evidence of and his Eastern Michigan page has already been taken down...which is quite quick for these kinds of situations. A head scratcher. It’s like his existence is being wiped from reality. At Eastern Michigan, Morgan spent two seasons and, last season, played in 13 games (8 starts) averaging 25.3 minutes and 8.6 ppg/3.4 rpg shooting 44.7% from the field (37.9% 3PT - 11 of 29) and 65.4% FT (17 of 26). Coming out of HS, Morgan received additional offers from St. Peter’s, Maine and Canisius.
Drew Lowder - Undecided on transfer destination - Sophomore - 6’0” - PG - 3* recruit from Pioneer HS (Jackson, MI) - Lowder started out spending a year at Holy Cross and then transferred to Eastern Michigan for one season where he played 11 games (8 starts) averaging 23.2 minutes and 8.5 ppg/1.7 rpg while shooting 30% from the field (27.7% 3PT - 18 of 65) and 69.2% FT (9 of 13). Coming out of HS, Lowder received additional offers from Toledo, Central Michigan, Ferris State (D-II - Big Rapids, MI) and NIU (I have absolutely no recollection of this).
Thomas Binelli - Undecided on transfer destination - 6’10” - PF - 2* recruit from Bergen Catholic HS (Oradell, NJ - born in Bologna, Italy) - Binelli played two seasons at Monroe College (JUCO - New York, NY) before transferring to Eastern Michigan where he played in 1 season playing in 25 games (15 starts) averaging 24.2 minutes and 8.6 ppg/3.1 rpg shooting 31.6% from the field (31.3% 3PT - 57 of 182) and 77.4% FT (24 of 31). Binelli is a big dude who can shoot at a decent clip from the outside and logged a good amount of minutes for the Eagles this past season so losing him is going to be a big deal to them. But, I suppose he wants to play his last season in a more stable environment. That or Coach Heath told him he wasn’t interested. Coming out of HS, Binelli received no offers but coming out of JUCO, he received additional offers from Saint Leo (D-II - St. Leo, FL) and Bryant.
Kent State:
In:
Sincere Carry - Transferring from Duquesne to Kent State - Junior - 6’1” - PG - 2* recruit from Solon HS (Solon, OH) - Carry has played 3 seasons at Duquesne and has been a full time starter all 3 seasons although he only played (and started) in 5 games this past season. As a sophomore (his last full season), Carry averaged 35.6 minutes and 12.2 ppg/3.9 rpg/5.3 apg which shooting 41.1% from the field (33.6% 3PT - 45 of 134) and 75% FT (84 of 112). Seems like a workhorse and will contribute to the Flashes roster right away and will have 2 seasons of eligibility remaining. The only reason being reported for his departure from Duquesne is that he was unhappy with the program and had been for some time. Coming out of HS, Carry received additional offers from West Liberty, Malone University, and Youngstown State.
D.J. Johnson - Transferring from Rhode Island to Kent State - RS Junior - 6’7” - SF - 2* recruit from Brooklyn Collegiate - Johnson has moved around more than a bit in his collegiate career. He started out at Blinn College (JUCO - Brenham, TX) for one season and then transferred to Williston State (JUCO - Williston, ND) before finally landing at Rhode Island for two seasons. Somehow he’s just a RS Junior. Last season was the only season at URI he actually played in and he played in all 25 of the Rams games with 0 starts averaging 15 minutes and 4.3 ppg/2.8 rpg shooting 43.4% from the field (38.5% 3PT - 25 of 65) and 64.7% FT (11 of 17). He really doesn’t appear to be much more than a role/depth player for the Golden Flashes this year. Coming out of HS, Johnson received no offers. Coming out of Blinn, he received an offer from Norfolk State. And coming out of Williston, he received additional offers from Canisius, Alcorn State, and Eastern Illinois.
Andrew Garcia - Transferring from Georgia to Kent State - RS Senior - 6’6” - SG - 2* recruit from The Master’s School (West Simsbury, CT - born in Bergenfield, NJ) - Garcia started his career at Stony Brook where he spent 3 seasons as a Seawolf before transferring to Georgia. In his one season as a Bulldog, Garcia played in 26 games (0 starts) averaging 17 minutes and 8.7 ppg/4 rpg shooting 54.1% from the field (16.7% 3PT - 1 of 6) and 77.1% FT (54 of 70). Garcia is an interesting pickup for KSU. He’s a big SG who really doesn’t have much of an outside game. He definitely shot more from the outside at Stony Brook so maybe it was just a system thing at Georgia. Although he did play enough to get opportunities. Oh well… Coming out of HS, Garcia received additional offers from Boston University and Fairfield.
Akeem Odusipe - Transferring from Vanderbilt to Kent State - Freshman - 6’9” - C - 3* recruit from Knoxville Catholic HS (Knoxville, TN) - Odusipe spent one season as a Commodore before deciding to transfer. In that one year, he played in 11 game (0 starts) averaging 4.2 minutes and 0.5 ppg/1.2 rpg shooting 42.9% from the field and 0% FT (0 of 2). Obviously, Odusipe didn’t play much at all at Vanderbilt which is one of the weaker P5/6/7 programs in the nation. It’s probably pretty safe to assume, Odusipe was out over his skis in deciding to play in the SEC and will probably be a better fit in a mid-major conference like the MAC. He’s a good sized guy and has a lot of years of eligibility remaining if….and that’s a decent sized “if” these days...KSU can hold on to him. He was well-regarded coming out of HS and if he starts to realize that potential, he could bolt again at any time. Coming out of HS, Odusipe received additional offers from Texas A&M, Virginia, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Wichita State, Auburn, Kansas State, East Tennessee State, Miami (FL), Maryland, UTA, Georgia Tech, and Seton Hall.
Out:
Kalin Bennett - Transferring to Morehouse - Sophomore - 6’11” - C - 2* recruit from Link Year Prep (Branson, MO - born in Little Rock, AR) - Before I get into his time on the court, I have to first note that Kalin Bennett is autistic and is the first known player diagnosed with autism to sign a LOI and play a game in D-I basketball. His mother, upon the announcement of his transfer, stated on social media that Kalin had been both mistreated as a student and an athlete in his time at Kent State. She accused both a professor at the university of violating his rights “in front of witnesses” and Coach Senderoff of violating health privacy laws. I will say, I think she is a bit misguided because she has publicly complained about him not being invited to the Autism Awareness game which was initially created in his honor but, being that he had already entered the transfer portal and was no longer on the team or attending classes, she felt he should have been invited to be at the game anyway. She went on to state the professor heard a cell phone go off and wrongly accused Bennett of having the phone. Apparently, the professor approached Bennett and patted him down “like a criminal”.
Anyway, on to basketball...Bennett spend 2 seasons at Kent State (only playing in 1 game as a sophomore). As a freshman, Bennett played 17 games (1 start) averaging 2.8 minutes and 0.6 ppg. Coming out of HS, Bennett received additional offers from Cleveland State and Little Rock.
Tekorian Smith - Transferring from Kent State to Troy - RS Junior - 6’4” - SG - 2* recruit from Richard King HS in Corpus Cristi, TX (born in Memphis, TN) - Started his collegiate career at Polk State College (JUCO in Winter Haven, FL) where he played for 2 season before transferring to Kent State. As a RS Junior, Smith played in 3 games (0 starts) in an obviously shortened season, averaging 5.3 minutes and 0.0 ppg. As a matter of fact, in those 5 games, Smith took 5 total shots, missing all of them. However, at Polk State, he averaged 18 ppg/3rpg/3apg. Coming out of HS/JUCO, Smith received additional offers from St. Bonaventure, Towson, North Florida, Missouri State, Lamar, Jacksonville State, Georgia Southern, FAU, East Tennessee State, Coastal Carolina, Cleveland State, CSU Bakersfield, Arkansas State, Akron, and Lincoln Memorial.
Michael Nuga - Transferring from Kent State to UNLV - RS Senior - 6’2” - PG - 2* recruit from Brebeuf College School (North York, ON) - Nuga started his collegiate playing career at Eastern Florida JC (Cocoa, FL) where he played for 2 seasons before transferring to Portland State. He spent 1 season as a Viking, having a pretty good season as a part-time starter, before transferring again to Kent State where he played 2 seasons. He sat out his first season as a transfer redshirt and then played this past season where he played and started in 13 games averaging 32.5 minutes and 17.8 ppg/5.5 rpg/1.6 apg and 1.5 spg shooting 50% from the field (38.5% 3PT - 37 of 96) and 80.6% FT (25 of 31). While I’ll never fault a guy for transferring as a grad student, this has to sting for Kent State. Nuga was a pretty good find coming out of Portland State and was a major contributor. Oh well...such is life in the MAC, amirite??? Coming out of HS/JUCO, Nuga received additional offers from Jacksonville, Utah State and Sam Houston State.
James Jordan - Undecided on transfer destination - Junior - 6’6” - PG - 2* recruit from Experience Academy (Bristol, TN - born in Detroit, MI) - Jordan started his collegiate career at Triton College (River Grove, IL) where he played for 2 seasons before transferring to Kent State. At KSU, he played 1 season playing in 21 games (1 start) averaging 11.2 minutes and 2.9 ppg/2 rpg shooting 26.8% from the field (22.6% 3PT - 12 of 53) and 100% FT (10 of 10). Coming out of JUCO, Jordan received additional offers from CSU-Bakersfield, Mississippi Valley State, Montevallo, Kentucky State, Southeast Missouri State, and East Tennessee State.
Evan Bainbridge - Transferring from Kent State to Ashland University (D-II - Ashland, OH) - Sophomore - 6’9” - PF - 2* recruit from Stow-Monroe Falls HS (Stow, OH) - Bainbridge has played, and been a spot starter and regular, at Kent State for 2 seasons. As a sophomore, Bainbridge played in 13 games (3 starts) averaging 8 minutes per game and 2ppg/1.2 rpg shooting 23.5% from the field (12.5% 3PT - 3 of 24) and 87.5% FT (7 of 8). I’m sure Kent State was hoping for more development from the 6’9” PF but I don’t think he’s put on all that much bulk since joining the team and his shooting hasn’t developed to the point where he’s much of a threat to defenses. I’m guessing he’s going to transfer down a level where he might be much more impactful. Coming out of HS, Bainbridge received one other offer from Furman.
Gabe O’Neal - Transferring from Kent State to Bowling Green - Junior - 6’7” - PF - 2* recruit from Princeton HS (Cincinnati, OH) - O’Neal started his collegiate career at Mineral Area CC (Park Hills, MO) where he played two seasons before transferring to Kent State. At KSU, O’Neal played one season where he played in 22 games (1 start) averaging 11 mpg and 4.7 ppg/3 rpg shooting 64.2% from the field and 81% FT (17 of 21). Kind of a late transfer declaration. Coming out of HS, O’Neal received no additional offers but coming out of CC, he received one additional offer from Southeast Missouri State.
Miami:
In:
Kamari Williams - Transferring from Boston College to Miami - Sophomore - 6’7” - SF - 2* recruit from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (Potomac, MD - born in Sandy Spring, MD) - Williams has played two seasons at Boston College and as a sophomore, Williams played in 15 games (3 starts) averaging 12.4 mpg and 2.6 ppg/1.2 rpg shooting 35% from the field (30% 3PT - 9 of 30) and 50% FT (2 of 4). I’m always in favor of these guys who transfer to mid-majors from P5/6/7 conference schools and figure their experience coming from those programs can only be a plus. He’s a tall kid who can maybe shoot enough from the outside to make some defenses uncomfortable. Coming out of HS, Williams received additional offers from UNC Greensboro, James Madison, UAB, Siena, Towson, St. Bonaventure, George Mason, Saint Joseph’s, Hofstra, Binghamton, Fairfield, Elon, Western Carolina, High Point, Quinnipiac, Massachusetts, and Monmouth.
Out:
Josh Brewer - Undecided on transfer destination - Junior - 6’5” - SF - 2* recruit from Ben Davis HS (Indianapolis) - Brewer played two seasons at Miami. As a sophomore, Brewer played in 16 games (3 starts) averaging 1.6 ppg/1.5 rpg shooting 34.4% from the field (19% 3PT - 4 of 21) and he didn’t shoot any FTs. In HS, Brewer received an additional offer from Central State (D-II, Wilberforce, OH).
NIU:
In:
Keshawn Williams - Transferring to NIU from Tulsa - Freshman - 6’3” - PG - 3/2* recruit from Bloom Township HS (Chicago Heights, IL) - Williams played one season at Tulsa where he played in 19 games (1 start) averaging 10.5 minutes and 3.1 ppg/0.9 rpg/1.3 apg/0.5 spg shooting 28.1% from the field (23.1% 3PT - 3 of 13) and 92.3% FT (24 of 26). Coming out of HS, Williams received additional offers from Colorado State, Colorado, Loyola, West Virginia, Kansas State, Murray State, UIC, Hampton, SIU, Saint Louis, Milwaukee, Cleveland State, Missouri State, FAU, DePaul, George Mason, and UAB. Interesting get here. Tulsa was a pretty good program and Williams played a decent amount as a true freshman. He was also recruited pretty strongly from more than a few really good programs. Right off the bat, Coach Burno lands one of the highest regarded Chicago area recruits in years (decades even) and while NIU is the only program to make an offer to Williams this year, since entering the transfer portal it's being reported Williams was approached and targeted by several mid-major programs. While he didn’t score much at Tulsa, Williams was an explosive scorer at Bloom and is able to go to the rim to score. Very interesting acquisition and between Williams and Kon, these are two really exciting players and...I’m really curious here...but I wonder if either Hankerson or Beane are going to be sticking around. It seems like Burno just replaced them. Granted, Kon is an incoming freshman and Williams is a sophomore, but if he’s punting on this upcoming year, we could see both of the incumbents' playing time cut a lot.
Chris Osten - Transferring to NIU from Arizona State - RS Junior - 6’9” - C - 2* recruit from Crowley HS (Crowley, LA) - Well...here’s that big man! Osten started out at Louisiana State-Alexandria (NAIA) and then transferred to Lee College (Baytown, TX - JUCO). From there, he transferred to Arizona State were he played in 24 games (6 starts) averaging 16 minutes and 2.7 ppg/2.3 rpg shooting 59.6% from the field and 39.1% FT (9 of 23). Coming out of HS/JUCO, Osten received no additional offers.
Okay...so yeah...I kind of predicted this. I knew Coach Burno would be on the hunt for a big man. I’m just not excited about this one. Now...I will say he’s big and strong. He’s actually quite athletic and runs well for his size. He runs like a shorter guy. Jumps well too. At Lee College, Osten put up just over 11 ppg and grabbed about 5 boards a game. But he’s a terrible free throw shooter which can be death for a big man who is going to get fouled plenty. His numbers at ASU are not good...yet he played in almost every game and even started 6 times. I believe I’ve heard Burno is good at working with post players (I don’t recall where I heard that and I very well could be making it up…) so there’s something he clearly likes about this guy and we desperately needed another post player on the team. His video is kind of intriguing as his athleticism kind of stands out. But then you look at his stat line at ASU and I’m not nearly as optimistic. Maybe the Pac-12 was just too much of a jump and he can come to the MAC and actually be impactful in some way? I do like that he has a year of experience in a major program and has played against high level competition. Anyway...welcome to DeKalb!
Darweshi Hunter - Transferring from Weber State to NIU - Sophomore - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from Dohn Prep at Dohn Community HS (Cincinnati - born in Phoenix, AZ) - Hunter played his first season at Central State (Wilberforce, OH - D-II) where he led the conference in scoring and was 2nd among freshman in D-II scoring averaging 20.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg. At Weber State, Hunter played in 7 games (0 starts) averaging 6.3 minutes and 2.9 ppg shooting 46.7% from the field (71.4% 3PT - 5 of 7) and 50% FT (1 of 2). I’m not sure why the limited playing time. I found a number of articles that seemed to be pretty excited about the NCAA granting the blanket waiver to transfers this year which was allowing him to be eligible. But, whether it be injury or COVID-19 or whatever, he didn't see the floor much. Hunter is a nice looking big guard. He’s 6’5”, which isn’t huge, but he’s athletically built and looks like a man on the floor. He’s not overly athletic in a way some other recruits have been. He’s much more of a perimeter/jump shooter who can go to the rim but it’s not his calling card. He also looks to play sound defense and will grab rebounds. This, in my opinion, is a really good transfer to get. He’s got 2 years remaining on his eligibility and knows how to score and can stretch a defense from outside. He’ll also be hard to guard for smaller players as he’s pretty tall for the position and has a nice high set shot. Coming out of HS, Hunter received additional offers from Central Connecticut, Lincoln (D-II - Chester County, PA), Purdue Northwest (D-II - Hammond/Westville, IN) and Assumption (D-II - Worcester, MA). Coming out of Central State, he received additional offers from St. Bonaventure, Robert Morris, Drake, Bryant and Wright State.
Martice Mitchell - Transferring from Minnesota to NIU - Freshman - 6’10” - C - 4* recruit from Bloom Township HS (Chicago Heights, IL - born in Chicago) - Okay...this is something. Between Mitchell and Osten (to go along with Makuoi and Okanu) we have a front court...and a big one. Mitchell has played one season at Minnesota where he played in 7 games (0 starts) averaging 3.3 minutes and 1.3 ppg/0.3 rpg shooting 50% from the field (3 of 6 but, interestingly, 4 of those were shot from behind the arc..he made 1) and was 2 for 2 FT. His stats are pedestrian but he was a freshman playing in the B1G. He was HIGHLY regarded coming out of Bloom. To get him with 3 years remaining on his eligibility is a really great thing. If I’m not mistaken, Burno has now gotten the two highest regarded recruits into the basketball program than any coach (or something along those lines) with Mitchell and Williams who also played together at Bloom. Btw, there aren’t many high schools in the Chicago area that are better to have a working relationship with than Bloom Township. Coming out of HS, Mitchell received additional offers from Saint Louis, Milwaukee, UIC, Detroit Mercy, Illinois State, Miami (OH), Massachusetts, Rutgers, George Mason, Missouri State, Colorado State, VCU, Tulsa, Murray State, South Florida, New Mexico, Xavier, Maryland, Iowa, Oregon, and Ole Miss.
Obviously, Minnesota was in transition with the firing of Pitino and this comes on a wave of NCAA free agency (if you will) but moving down a level where he’s going to get regular playing time and have a front court partner to develop with in Osten is all positive.
Out:
Daniel Filippone - Undecided on transfer destination - Sophomore - 6’1” - PG - 2* recruit from Antioch HS - Dan is a walk-on and will not have to sit a year (if that’s even a thing this next season) if he transfers to a D-I program. Filippone received no other offers out of HS. Do I really have to talk about his 4 games this year?
Zaire Mateen - Transferring from NIU to UT Tyler (D-II - Tyler, TX) - Grad Transfer - 6’0” - PG - 2* recruit from Dunwoody HS (Georgia) born in Queens, NY - Mateen started his collegiate career at Laramie County CC (Cheyane, WY) before transferring
(This post was last modified: 06-07-2021 08:00 PM by Big Red.)
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2021-22 Hoops Transfers and Recruiting
