After deciding to leave Wisconsin a few weeks ago, Connor Essegian has looked at a few familiar faces during his transfer portal recruitment. So far, Essegian is considering four other Big Ten schools; Maryland, Indiana, Michigan, and Nebraska. Here is where things stand for each school and how he would fit if he were to commit there.
Connor Essegian Linked to Multiple Big Ten Teams
Maryland
After he visited last weekend, Maryland appeared to be in good shape to land Essegian’s services. He would be a good fit for the Terps as they desperately need a shooter. Last year, they were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the Power Five. They shot an abysmal 28.9% from deep, which was only better than Rutgers in the Big Ten.
Despite his fit, it seems unlikely Essegian will commit to Maryland. The Terps have already received commitments from three guards in the portal, Virginia Tech’s Rodney Rice, Belmont’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie, and USF’s Selton Miguel. Essegian likely wants a guaranteed starting spot, which the Terps cannot promise him. Unless he is fine with possibly coming off the bench, it seems unlikely that Essegian will be a Terp this fall.
Indiana
Another school that wants the services of Essegian is Indiana. Similarly to Maryland, the Hoosiers struggled to hit three-pointers last season. Unlike Maryland, the Hoosiers have only received a commitment from one guard in the portal – Myles Rice from Washington State. However, Rice is not much of a shooter so Essegian would still be a fit. Essegian is also from Indiana, which gives the Hoosiers a leg up on the Terps. After completing a visit with the Hoosiers in the middle of the week, it might not be long until we hear about his commitment status.
Michigan
This weekend, Essegian is planning on taking a visit to Michigan. After hiring Dusty May earlier this month, the Wolverines have entered full rebuild mode. They have to replace most of their roster and have not received a transfer commit yet, which means there are plenty of minutes available. May has proven that that he can develop guards as he made it to the final four with Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin at FAU. This move seems like a bit of a long shot, but if the money is right and he wants to be an offensive focal point, Essegian could commit to Michigan.
Nebraska
The final Big Ten team interested in the services of Essegian is Nebraska. Although a visit has not been set up, there has been contact between Nebraska and Essegian. The Cornhuskers lose star guard Keisei Tominaga and Essegian would fit well in that role. He is a shooting guard in every sense of the word. As far as fit goes, this may be the best one for him. But other factors like NIL, NBA development, and proximity to home likely limit Essegian’s interest in Nebraska.
Non-Big Ten Schools interested in Connor Essegian
Only one school outside of the Big Ten has expressed interest in Essegian; South Carolina. Essegian visited shortly after his Maryland visit, but talks seemed to slow down in the days following the visit. While there is still a chance he is a Gamecock, it seems like this may be a second-tier option due to lack of NIL at South Carolina.
