Jamir Watkins remains one of the biggest names in the transfer portal, but there has been little information about his decision. However, recent reports indicate three teams, Illinois, Kentucky, and Louisville, are vying for his services. So, let’s break down how he would fit in each roster and what school he is most likely to choose. In one case, the school has no chance of recruiting him.
Jamir Watkins is Deciding Between 3 Schools
3. Kentucky
Kentucky has made continuous splashes in the transfer portal already. Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance highlight a group that has also added Kam Williams, Denzel Aberdeen, and Mouhamed Dioubate. With Otega Oweh likely to come back along with other role players, there are 12 players with realistic chances to play minutes for the Wildcats. So, where is there room for Watkins from the transfer portal? In short, nowhere.
It is unlikely that any other names in the portal linked to Kentucky will head to Lexington. They have spent a lot of money already. The Wildcats already lost a top recruit, but their roster is still full. It would require players on the roster to either decommit or transfer for Watkins to end up on Kentucky’s roster. While his talent would be a nice addition, he likely isn’t heading there.
2. Illinois
The Fighting Illini have had an eerily quiet offseason thus far. They’ve lost two players to the NBA draft process while only picking up one transfer. The big announcement has been building, but hasn’t come. If they were to land Watkins from the transfer portal, he would be an immediate star replacement. Illinois has a great young core, but Watkins could supply them with more experience. Watkins averaged 18.4 points per game, a number that would have led Illinois last season. He gets buckets.
Illinois predicated itself on being one of the best offenses in the country, ranking 11th in points per game. Watkins doesn’t provide as much defensively, but if they want to stay with their elite offensive style, he would be a perfect fit. However, because of their silent offseason, they may be better suited for a two-way threat if available. Nevertheless, speaking strictly from Watkins’ perspective, Illinois could be a great opportunity to flourish.
1. Louisville
Louisville is the best fit and most likely to land Jamir Watkins in the transfer portal. They need wings, having already made splash moves at guard while having some big men returning. Jamir Watkins could fill in perfectly at the three or four spot. Kelsey loves the analytical approach to basketball. Louisville finished 23rd in attempted threes this season. The Cardinals will find open three-point shooters if they can. However, that offense also relies on the ability to get easy buckets at the rim.
Pat Kelsey is elite at scheming up easy buckets at the rim, using athletic perimeter players with elite shooters to open the lane. Watkins shot 32.1% from three, which isn’t amazing. However, he is a true slasher. With the elite shooters that Kelsey has recruited already, namely Isaac McKneely, the lane will be open. Watkins’ elite athleticism will create more open threes and layups. Putting Jamir Watkins on the floor with the three guards from the transfer portal would make them legitimate contenders in the ACC and beyond.
The Last Word
People have mentioned other schools, as is the case with all top transfers. However, these rumors continue to swirl around these three teams. Kentucky will not get Watkins unless a load of players leave. After that, Illinois and Louisville both have strong arguments. They also have the money to satisfy the financial desires Watkins may have. Don’t be surprised if a team comes from nowhere to steal Watkins at the last minute. I’d keep my eye on Duke, USC, and Arkansas as dark horses. They have been relatively quiet and have the money to sign a big player. However, for now, it seems like this is a two-man race for one of the transfer portal’s most elite prospects.
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