With a week to go before the college basketball transfer portal closes, we take a q uick look at what could be for Louisville basketball.
“It’s the wild west.” “It’s not good for the game.” “Kids are just moving for no reason.” “I told a kid to be better and he entered the college basketball transfer portal.”
Some of those quotes are legitimate and some may be a bit hyperbolic. Regardless, the introduction of the one-time transfer rule and the “free year” given to all seniors has caused for mayhem this offseason. In 2021 the transfer portal will have a bigger impact on college basketball than ever before.
1688 players have entered the transfer portal this season (a record number) and that is all but guarentted to increase this week. When the NCAA ratified the new one-time transfer rule earlier this year they included a drop-dead date of when a player must be in the portal. That date is July 1st, which as of today is 7 days away. That means that players on their current rosters must let their coaches/programs know by July 1st that they will be enterting the portal. That doesn’t mean they have to decide on their destination, just notify their school.
In portal time 7 days is an eternity and a lot will change by this time next week. The NBA Combine is set to wrap up this weekend and hundreds of players who have declared for the draft will face the tough decision of returning to college or beginning a professional career. Several players still declared for the draft have entered the portal and it is a near certainty that plenty more will following the combine. That means we’re likely headed for a second wave.
One program who could stand to benefit from an influx of talent to the college basketball transfer portal is Louisville. With two scholarships in tow, Chris Mack and the Louisville basketball staff could grab multiple difference makers for the team 108 roster.
We’ve been looking at the college basketball portal all offseason (you check the most recent update here) and before things reset, lets take a look at what is still remaining as of 6/24.
Tier 1
- Marcus Bagley – F – Arizona State (Fr.)
- Darryl Morsell – G – Maryland (Sr.)
- Mousa Cisse – C – Memphis (Fr.)
Prior commitments: Tre Mitchell (Texas), Remy Martin (Kansas), Bryce Thompson (Ok. State), Quincy Guerrier (Oregon), Bryce Hamilton (Returned to UNLV)
- The “big 3” have all been on the board since the spring following transferring and declaring for the NBA Draft. Bagley and Cisse were both invited to the 2021 NBA Combine and there’s a chance they could earn their way onto draft boards. If they do transfer, look for the blue bloods to get involved. Cisse was a five-star reclass last year, spending a season at Memphis. While Bagley was a four-star recruit (and the little brother of Marvin Bagley) who under-achieved for a disappointing Arizona State team with a ton of talent.
- For Morsell, he was not invited to the combine meaning he likely is headed back to college. Marquette has been mentioned as a destination while others believe he could return to Maryland.
- UPDATE: Morsell reportedly has Louisville basketball on his short list and will announce his decision on Monday.
- He’s a 6’5 combo guard who has been one of the most effective two-way players in the Big Ten over the last three years, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award last season. He’s also a versatile offensive player who would be a tremendous fit with the guards Louisville already has. He’s not known for high volume scoring, averaging under double-digits at Maryland (8.7 points per game over his career) but instead is seen as the “full package.” Morsell defends, initiates the offense, rebounds, dives on the floor for loose balls, and hits big shots when needed. He’s a four-year contributer/starter who has played in some big games and is the type of kid you want on your team. He was a 2021 Senior Class Award Candidate in 2021 and Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree. He also was a multi-year All-Big Ten Academic team honoree. What makes him one of the best transfers out there isn’t just his scoring, defense, or point guard abilities. It’s all of it. He combines a great game on the court with special leadership traits. We’ve seen those pay dividends for Maryland over the years in big games. His tournament success and overall talent & leadership would be huge for Team 108.
Tier 2
- Alonzo Verge – G – Arizona St. (Sr.)
- Alterique Gilbert – G – Wichita St. (Sr.)
- Collin Smith – C – Central Florida (Sr.)
- Steffon Mitchell – F/C – Boston College (Sr.)
Prior commitments: Shavir Wheeler (UK), Michael Durr (IU), Brandon Mahan (Returned to UCF), Brandon Johnson (DePaul)
- You could make an argument that all four players that make up tier two could be fits for Chris Mack and Louisville. The Cards have two scholarships remaining and could add another center and/or guard. Gilbert is a veteran who has been around the game for almost six years playing at UConn and Wichita State.
- Verge is a former JUCO star who was Arizona State’s leading scorer in 2020. He’s a volume scorer, something Louisville still may need and has shown a willingness to play numerous roles. He’s still in the NBA process but will have to make a quick decision.
- Smith and Mitchell are both veteran bigs looking for new homes. Mitchell has been putting 9 and 13 on Louisville for years and would add a much-needed physical presence inside next to Williams. Smith would be another veteran who could help pick up minutes to lighten the load on Williams. He sat 2020 out but averaged double-figures in points the year prior and is a solid post defender.
Tier 3
- Seneca Knight – G – LSU/San Jose State
- Ahmed Ali – G – Portland
- Elijah Childs – F – Bradley
- Yor Anei – C – SMU
Prior commitments: Te’Jon Lucas (BYU), Rocket Watts (Mississippi St.), Sardaar Calhoun (Texas Tech), Aaron Cook (Georgia)
- Don’t let the lack of name recognition here fool you. Despite playing for schools like San Jose State, Portland, or Bradley there is plenty of talent. Is it ACC top quality? No. But there aren’t enough quality players or big roles remaining. So taking a player who can play a smaller, niche role may make sense. Think Stephen Van Treese, Jared Swopshire, early Mangok Mathiang, etc.
- Knight is a new addition to the college basketball transfer portal. After two seasons at San Jose State, where he earned All-Conference third-team honors, Knight transferred to LSU only four games into his junior season. His numbers in 2019 stand out, as do his intangibles (17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 40% FG). At 6’7, 215-pounds, Knight is a versatile player who can play multiple positions. The athleticism and ability to get up and down in transition (as well as play above the rim) he possesses would be a welcomed addition. He also is a more than capable ball-handler who does well attacking downhill in the pick and roll. He’s not a great shooter, so you have to wonder about that. However, if Mack believes he has enough shooting he could prioritize their transition game.
- Ali has been on the board for quite some time after playing well at Portland. He’s an undersized guard who probably wouldn’t be a great fit under Mack, especially playing next to Jarrod West.
- Anei is a guy I wrote about last year when he transferred from Oklahoma State following their NCAA tournament ban (that was eventually put on hold). At 6’10, 235-pounds he’s got nice size and a good combination of skills. He was an elite rim protector in limited minutes at Ok State (averaged 2.27 blocks per game, roughly 20 minutes a night), who left as the program’s 4th best shot-blocker. He ended up at SMU last year where he was not at his best after waiting most of the season to become eligible, averaging only 6 points and 2 rebounds once he did. However, even in fewer minutes than he played at OK State, Anei averaged 2.2 blocks per night in 11 total games and led the AAC during that time. Elite shot blocker, average offensive player, could be a fit should Mack decide they need more rim protection and size.
Class of 2021/Others
- Jalen Duren – C – Montverde Academy (FL)
- Sydney Curry – F/C – John A. Logan College (Juco)
Prior commitments: TyTy Washington (UK), Nolan Hickman (Gonzaga), Trey Alexander (Creighton)
- Jalen Duren is one of the best available players in the nation, regardless of class. He’s a 2022 player as of this moment but it is more than rumored that he will be making the jump to the 2021 class. The question remains, will he play college ball or join the NBA G-League’s Ignite program. UofL won’t be an option (obviously), but it’s worth mentioning Duren here for good measure because he may wind up slightly east of here (if you catch my drift).
- The 2021 recruiting class has dwindled down to just a few players, so there’s not much here. However, Curry is a name that could be worth watching for Louisville. The 6’9 big man has played two seasons at John A. Logan College was a teammate of Jay Scrubb during Louisville’s recruitment and is a player the staff likely is familiar with. Considering Malik Williams and Roosevelt Wheeler are coming off of significant injury, adding another big should be on the table. Curry is a former Kansas commit and a top 10 JUCO player in the class of 2021. He backed off of his commitment following multiple late additions by the Jayhawks and is now the top player on the board from the class. At 6’9, 260 pounds, the big man is a low-post hoss who has made a name for himself due to his athleticism and footwork. Guys that size typically don’t move as well as Curry does, and in this new “high-tempo” offense, he would be a solid fit. Think Derrick Caracter-esque. Interesting fun fact: Like Malik Williams, Curry is also a Fort Wayne, Indiana native.
UPDATE: Curry is reportedly visiting Louisville on Sunday. Louisville and Curry have legitimate mutual interest in one another.
It appears Louisville is going hard after the stud JUCO forward.
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