Former Georgia big man Frank Anselem-Ibe has been in the transfer portal for two weeks, but is reportedly close to making a decision about his future. ESPN’s Jeff Borzelo reported that Anselem-Ibe is down to four schools: NC State, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, and Louisville. Anselem-Ibe is expected to make his decision on Tuesday.
Georgia transfer Frank Anselem-Ibe is down to Georgia Tech, Louisville, NC State and Wisconsin, sources told ESPN. He’ll announce his decision on Tuesday. Began his career at Syracuse.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 10, 2024
4 Teams Still In Mix For Georgia Center Who Will Announce His Decision On Tuesday
Anselem-Ibe is a fifth-year player who has been a rotational player for the last three seasons. He has spent the previous two years at Georgia after starting his career at Syracuse.
The athletic 6-10 center, who hails from Nigeria, was a four-star prospect out of Prolific Prep in Napa (Calif.), though he has never been able to become a full-time starter. Anselem-Ibe is pretty slender, weighing 215 pounds, and while limited offensively, he is still effective around the rim. He is an outstanding offensive rebounder and shot-blocker, though he struggles on the defensive glass.
Per Synergy Sports, Anselem-Ibe takes 91% of his shots at the rim, and he averages 1.26 points per shot,
While Anselem-Ibe only saw around nine minutes a game in 29 appearances, including three starts, it was the most efficient season of his career. He finished the past season with 2.1 points on 62.8% shooting from the field and 1.2 rebounds, as he mainly saw action when starter Russel Tchewa needed a break.
But Anselem-Ibe gave a glimpse of his ability in the final three games of Georgia’s NIT run, which ended in the semifinals, as he was inserted as a starter. Anselem-Ibe averaged 6.0 points, 7.0 rebounds (2.3 offensive), and 1.6 blocks while making 8 of 13 shot attempts (61.5%). He produced a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double against Ohio State in the NIT quarterfinals.
Anselem-Ibe is the seventh Georgia player to transfer this offseason. Justin Hill (Seattle), Jabri Abdur-Rahim (Providence), RJ Melendez (Mississippi State), Mari Jordan (Tulane), Jalen DeLoach (Loyola, Ill.) and Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe (Seattle) are the players who have entered the transfer portal.
Looking At The Four Teams Interest In Anselem-Ibe
Wisconsin Badgers
The Wisconsin Badgers lost seven players to the transfer portal, including three walk-ons. But Greg Gard has done a pretty good job of regrouping by bringing in three impact transfers: Camren Hunter, Xavier Amos, and John Tonje.
According to Dillon Gaff of BadgerNotes, the Badgers have one scholarship available and are looking for an athletic rim-running big man who can provide depth.
Wisconsin is still involved in McCook Community College (JUCO) transfer center Noah Boyed. Gaff said Boyed is also looking at Oregon and LSU.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Pack Insider Matthew Bradham reported that Anselem-Ibe recently visited NC State. The Wolfpack doesn’t appear to have any scholarships available, but that could change. Dontrez Styles and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield were among the four transfers that Kevin Keatts has brought in. However, they could use some depth up front.
Bradham said that NC State is also involved with ECU transfer Ezra Ausar, though he added that there hasn’t been much chatter surrounding him.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech has lost six players to the transfer portal following coach Damon Stoudamire’s first season, where the Yellow Jackets finished with a 14-18 record. The Yellow Jackets have now suffered through three straight losing seasons.
Stoudamire has brought in seven newcomers, including four freshmen. The Yellow Jackets appear to have one scholarship remaining.
Louisville Cardinals
New Louisville coach Pat Kelsey has had to rebuild the Cardinals 2024-25 roster from the ground up, with 13 players entering the transfer portal this spring. Kelsey has brought in eight players but still has a considerable amount of remaining work to do.
Only two of Kelsey’s eight transfers were bigs: BYU center Aly Khalifa and Charleston forward James Scott.
