What's the word?

Some big names are nearing decisions, so we assess the latest rumors. Plus, North Carolina adds a scorer, and five coaches who've already made a splash.

Author

Tristan Freeman
April 21, 2023

With just a few weeks until the transfer portal closes, the rumors are flying. Some are more substantive than others, meaning sleuthing on your favorite team might be an intriguing way to spend a weekend. Or a Daily.

Let's get to the news.

1. Sharpshooter Cormac Ryan joins UNC's lineup

After losing six players to the transfer portal, North Carolina needed to reload. First, it brought in Paxson Wojcik (Brown) and Jae'Lyn Withers (Louisville) — likely depth pieces — but still sought a shooter with the potential to start. Nick Timberlake was initially on the Heels' radar, but he chose Kansas. Then, they moved quickly to a familiar face.

The 6-5 shooting guard spent his freshman year at Stanford and the last four at Notre Dame. He has 87 career starts and is coming off a career-high scoring season. Ryan had three games of at least 20 points, including 23 against Michigan State on 6-of-7 shooting from deep. 

But the scoring production won't be his main calling card. He's there to stretch defenses.

Ryan's a career 35 percent 3-point shooter, who shot 34 percent from beyond the arc last season, a year after a career-best 40.3 percent. He had five games of at least four made 3-pointers and should be a good backcourt fit next to RJ Davis. This might not be the signing that lights the world on fire, but it's a needed fit for the Tar Heels.

Other portal news to know:

Sooners land John Hugley: Oklahoma grabbed its second transfer of the week, landing Tanner Groves' replacement at the 5. Hugley was limited to just eight games this past season at Pitt due to a knee injury but averaged 14.8 ppg and 7.9 rpg as a sophomore. He joins Javian McCollum as two of the top players on a roster that still needs more work.

Texas Tech takes a Chance: In his first year as a starter at Grand Canyon, Chance McMillian averaged 10.9 ppg and 2.1 apg while shooting 44 percent from 3-point range. He joins Pop Isaacs in the Red Raiders' backcourt and adds a much-needed shooting threat.

Zach Hicks commits to Penn State: The 6-7 combo forward averaged 9.6 ppg and 5.1 rpg as a sophomore at Temple, making 36 percent from deep on seven attempts per game. Hicks had a 20-point and 8-rebound game against Vanderbilt in the non-con, a sign he should be fine against power conference opponents.

Missouri keeps cooking with Caleb Grill: His time at Iowa State ended abruptly, but the 6-3 guard still produced career-high numbers while hitting 37 percent of his triples. Grill is capable of big games, such as when he scored 31 points (7-of-11 from 3) against North Carolina.

2. Hunter Dickinson's plans, plus portal rumors

When Hunter Dickinson entered the portal, he looked destined for Georgetown or Maryland. Returning to the DMV seemed a factor, as he went on unofficial visits to both stops. Yet those schools might be long shots now, considering three heavy hitters entered the mix. Dickinson arrived in Kansas last night and has another trip lined up.

Count on John Calipari to make a splash — like landing the top player in the portal. Kentucky is still waiting on Oscar Tshiebwe's decision. Maybe they will move forward regardless of his timeline.

Also Thursday? Dickinson announced on his Roundball podcast that he would visit Villanova next weekend. The Wildcats added Washington State transfer guard TJ Bamba and are the heavy favorites to land Maryland transfer Hakim Hart (possibly today). They don't have much size outside of Eric Dixon, so landing a true center makes sense. Dickinson would be a considerable asset in the Big East against players like Donovan Clingan, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Joel Soriano and others.

That's five programs courting Dickinson. Multiple official visits are still on the table.  

Other rumors to consider:

Joe Girard: A week ago, the former Syracuse guard was viewed as an LSU near-lock. However, Carlos Stewart entered the transfer portal during his visit, and the Baton Rouge native wanted to go home. Now Girard seems to be looking elsewhere, starting with a visit this weekend to Clemson. Could the Tigers land a scorer?

Max Abmas: The top available scorer has been linked to two different teams in the Big 12: Kansas State and Texas. At some point, both teams have been viewed as "favorites," which means that there isn't one at the moment. Without many shooters in the portal, they better hurry. The former Oral Roberts guard commands plenty of attention.

Ryan Nembhard: This is between two teams for the former Creighton guard. There's Gonzaga, where his older brother Andrew played. And Arizona, who has former Zags assistant and as its head coach, Tommy Lloyd. It was thought that the Wildcats were heavy favorites, but after visiting both programs, things got quiet on Nembhard's end. That silence could end as early as today.

Taran Armstrong: Armstrong recently had four options. However, each seems to have moved on. Creighton got Utah State transfer Steven Ashworth, Xavier landed WKU transfer Dayvion McKnight, while Providence seems intent on Jayden Pierre and top-50 freshman Garwey Dual running the offense. Gonzaga is the last one left and if they land Nembhard, it seems likely the Cal Baptist sophomore will restart his recruitment.

Jaden Bradley: Things are heating up for the former 5-star guard. After some NC State rumors, Memphis is reportedly in the mix because of the uncertainty around 2023 prospect Mikey Williams and his legal troubles. Bradley would be a nice fit for the Tigers.

3. The five first-year coaches off to strong starts

The coaching carousel is essentially done for this cycle. And while several programs are still sorting out what's going on with their new hires, a few have gotten off to strong starts. Like these five:

Amir Abdur-Rahim, South Florida: After a 29-6 breakout season at Kennesaw State, Abdur-Rahim took his talents to South Beach. Luckily, he was able to bring back three of the best Owls along with him. Chris Youngblood (14.7 ppg and 4.7 rpg) led the team in scoring last season, while Brandon Stroud (9.2 ppg and 6.5 rpg) and Kasen Jennings (6.2 ppg) could be starters. He's got some more work to do, but this is a solid core at USF.

Mark Madsen, Cal: The Bears are expecting much more under Madsen than the three wins they notched last season. With good reason. He's already reunited with big man and Texas Tech transfer Fardaws Aimaq (he played for Madsen at Utah Valley), along with adding guard Jalen Cone, who averaged 17.6 ppg last season at Northern Arizona. These moves alone will have Cal more competitive in the Pac-12 than they've been in recent years.

Will Wade, McNeese State: The former LSU coach may be a controversial figure among media and fans, but his ability to recruit remains unmatched. Wade has already landed four transfers this offseason, including Mike Saunders (Utah), Zach Harvey (UC Santa Barbara), Javohn Garcia (UMass), and CJ Felder (Florida). These players should excel in the Southland and possibly make McNeese the league favorites.

Corey Gibson, Austin Peay: Gipson took Northwestern State from nine to 22 wins, and finished second in the Southland. Not bad for one season. Next is his alma mater, Austin Peay, which is coming off a last-place finish in the ASUN. The coach got four players to follow him, including all four double-digit scorers this past season. Demarcus Sharp, the Southland Player of the Year, highlights the group.

Kim English, Providence: The young English has posted an impressive first month on the job. He kept both Devin Carter and Bryce Hopkins while bringing impact players Josh Oduro, Davonte Gaines and Justyn Fernandez from George Mason. Securing the aforementioned Dual was the most impressive feat yet. The Friars are certainly ahead of Georgetown and St. John's right now.

Is Duke the clear-cut No. 1 team for 2023-24?

Twenty days into the offseason, a handful of teams would be considered offseason "winners". Duke certainly qualifies, with the returns of Kyle Filipowski and Tyrese Proctor, two freshmen who seemed bound for the NBA, but will instead bolster the Devils' roster — not to mention a loaded incoming recruiting class.

But does this make them the team to beat? Rob Dauster, John Fanta and Terrence Oglesby debate.

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