Florida State transfer Jamir Watkins is widely considered the top available player in the NCAA transfer portal. However, Watkins may be approaching a decision as he is only considering six schools.
Earlier today, CBS Sports Jon Rothstein tweeted that Watkins is down to St. John’s, Michigan, Florida State, Oregon, Kansas State, and Cincinnati.
Watkins’s list really shouldn’t surprise anyone. Austin Veazy of Sports Illustrated had this quip when Watkins withdrew from the draft.
“I expect St. John’s and Michigan to be the two biggest contenders to bring Watkins in on a visit, though others could emerge, said . “There is a possibility Watkins could return to Florida State next season, but that is something I’d consider to be unlikely at this point. He’ll want a better chance to win and may not be convinced FSU is the best situation for that, given their roster overhaul and current state.”
No. 1 Ranked NCAA Basketball Transfer Available Is Still Considering 6 Schools
Watkins, who went through the NBA draft process, came into his own offensively in his lone season at FSU. The 6-7 wing, known more for his defense, waited til the last minute to officially withdraw from the draft.
Watkins produced career-highs across the board with the Seminoles, compiling 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals a game in 33 appearances. He also knocked down 1.0 3-pointer a game while shooting .457/.344/.795.
Watkins produced five double-doubles and scored in double-figures 28 times. He picked up his game over the last two months of the season, reaching double-figures in all 18 contests, topping the 20-point mark five times, which included pouring in 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.
Watkins Scouting 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 greatly improved in year three of his collegiate career.
Watkins is an excellent defensive rebounder and improved as a playmaker this past season. However, as a slasher, he needs to finish better at the rim and improve his 3-point shooting.
Here is more on Watkins game, from CJ Moore of The Athletic:
Watkins is one of the most athletic wings in the country. He’s a menace defensively with his ability to get deflections and steals.
Watkins is most dangerous on the offensive end when he’s slashing. He’s got some burst and can play through contact and seeks it out. 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 of his 3s. He’s better shooting off the catch than the dribble. He’ll take some bad ones off the bounce.
Schools Interested In Watkins
Here is 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 portal hard. May has brought in six transfers and eight newcomers overall. The Wolverines have one scholarship available.
St. John’s Red Storm
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 that the Red Storm reached 20 wins for the first time since 2018-19. The Red Storm declined an NIT bid.
Pitino has brought in four transfers and seven newcomers overall this spring. The Red Storm has two scholarships available.
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State won 17 games this past season, a nine-game improvement over the 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 left.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon went 24-12 this past season and 12-8 in Pac-12 play, marking the 14th straight season that the Ducks have reached 20 victories. The Ducks snapped a two-year NCAA tournament drought, though they were ousted in the second round. The Ducks have two open scholarships.
Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State went 19-15 and 8-10 in Big 12 play, seven fewer wins than the Wildcats managed in Jerome Tang’s first season in the first seat. 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 of reviving the Bearcats. The Bearcats won 22 games, marking their third straight winning season under Miller and second straight 20-win season, but they went just 7-11 in AAC. The Bearcats have not made it to the NCAA tournament since 2019.
The Bearcats have 13 players on the 2024-25 roster, though only nine players are signed.
