1st NCAA basketball transfer available still considering 6 schools

Florida State transfer Jamir Watkins is considered the top player available on the NCAA transfer portal. However, Watkins may be closing in on a decision as he is only considering six schools.

Earlier today, CBS Sports Jon Rothstein tweeted that Watkins is in St. John’s, Michigan, Florida State, Oregon, Kansas State and Cincinnati.

Watkins’ list really shouldn’t surprise anyone. Sports Illustrated’s Austin Veazy had this joke when Watkins withdrew from the draft.

“I expect that St. John’s and Michigan to be the top two contenders to bring Watkins on a visit, though others could emerge, he said. “There is a possibility that Watkins returns to Florida State next season, but that’s something I would consider unlikely at this point. He’s going to want a better chance to win, and he may not be convinced that FSU is the best situation for that given their roster overhaul and current state.”

1st NCAA basketball transfer available still considering 6 schools

Watkins, who went through the NBA draft process, came into his own offensively in his only season at FSU. The 6-7 wing, known more for his defense, waited until the last minute to officially withdraw from the draft.

Watkins posted career highs with the Seminoles, averaging 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game in 33 appearances. He also knocked down 1.0 3-pointers per game while shooting .457/.344/.795.

Watkins produced five double-doubles and scored in double figures 28 times. He picked up his game in the final two months of the season, reaching double figures in all 18 contests, surpassing the 20-point mark five times, which included a career-high 34 points in the ACC Tournament against Virginia Tech .

Watkins has one year of eligibility remaining. He spent his first two seasons at VCU.

Scout Watkins’ report

Watkins, who turns 23 in July, brings a lot of talent and someone who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. He is very athletic, capable of guarding multiple positions and has greatly improved in the third year of his collegiate career.

Watkins is an excellent defensive rebounder and improved as a playmaker last season. However, as a slasher, he needs to finish better at the rim and improve his 3-point shot.

Here’s more on Watkins’ game, from The Athletic’s CJ Moore:

Watkins is one of the most athletic wings in the country. He is a threat defensively with his ability to get deflections and steals.

Watkins is most dangerous offensively when slashing. He has burst and can play through contact and looks for it. He averaged 6.2 free throw attempts per game and shot 79.5 percent at the line. He’s an average shooter, knocking down 34.4 percent from three. It’s better to shoot from the catch than to dribble. It will get some bad ones off the bounce.

Schools interested in Watkins

Here’s a look at the six schools still in contention for Watkins’ services.

Michigan Wolverines

Since being named the Wolverines’ head coach earlier this spring, head coach Dusty May has hit the transfer window hard. May brought in six transfers and eight new arrivals in total. The Wolverines have one scholarship available.

Red Storm St. John

Head coach Rick Pitino had an outstanding first year at St. John’s, helping the Red Storm to a 20-13 record, including 11-9 to finish fifth in the Big East. It was the first time the Red Storm reached 20 wins for the first time since 2018-19. The Red Storm turned down an NIT offer.

Pitino brought in four transfers and seven newcomers this spring. The Red Storm has two scholarships available.

Florida State Seminoles

Florida State won 17 games last season, a nine-game improvement over its 202-23 campaign, but the Seminoles missed the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year. More importantly, the Seminoles had massive departures this spring. The Seminoles have just eight players on this year’s roster, leaving the Noles with five scholarships remaining.

Oregon ducks

Oregon went 24-12 last season and 12-8 in Pac-12 play, marking the 14th straight season the Ducks have reached 20 wins. The Ducks went through a two-year NCAA tournament drought, although they were eliminated in the second round. Ducks have two open bursae.

Kansas Wildcats

Kansas State went 19-15 and 8-10 in the Big 12, seven fewer wins than the Wildcats managed in Jerome Tang’s first season at the top. The Wildcats have missed the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five seasons.

Tang has rebuilt his roster, as eight of the 10 players on K-State’s roster are newcomers. The Wildcats have three scholarships available.

Cincinnati Bearcats

Wes Miller has done an excellent job in reviving the Bearcats. The Bearcats won 22 games, marking the third straight winning season under Miller and second straight 20-win season, but went just 7-11 in the AAC. The Bearcats have missed the 2019 NCAA Tournament.

The Bearcats have 13 players on the 2024-25 roster, although only nine players are signed.