Michigan basketball expected to contend for top available transfer

Jamir Watkins, a former Florida State guard withdrew from the NBA draft on Wednesday night in a move that could matter for Michigan basketball.

There has been chatter about Michigan basketball and Watkins, who is now one of the top players available in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-7 forward would be an ideal fit for the Wolverines and led the Noles in points, rebounds, and steals last season.

NEWS: Jamir Watkins withdrew from the 2024 NBA Draft just prior to the 11:59 pm deadline, a source told ESPN. The former Florida State guard is one of the top remaining players in the NCAA transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/iNCq1yC3aU

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 30, 2024

Watkins averaged 15.6 points last season for FSU to go along with six rebounds and 0.8 blocked shots per game, plus 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals. He shot 79 percent from the free throw line, 34 percent from 3-point range, and 45.7 percent overall. Watkins averaged one 3-point field goal per game in each of the past two seasons.

Wakins would be perfect for Michigan basketball

Before Florida State, Watkins played for VCU. The Wolverines could definitely use another body on the perimeter. Watkins could add more depth on the wing and maybe play some small-ball four.

Watkins can probably best be described as a ball-handling wing, which is an ideal fit for Dusty May, who has said he wants two point guards on the floor at all times. That’s why Rubin Jones, Roddy Gayle, and Trey Donaldson all averaged around three assists per game last season.

Watkins would add another playmaker to the mix. He also brings a lot to the defensive end of the floor. It probably won’t solve the issue of guarding fours, but if teams are playing undersized players at the four to create mismatches with Danny Wolf, Watkins could be an option. He’s got the length and shot-blocking ability.

Adding Watkins would give Michigan basketball another elite scorer too. Austin Veazey of Noles Gameday reported that Michigan and St. John’s are among the top contenders.

Teams desperate for talent could charge hard with NIL money for Watkins, so we’ll see how things play out, but Michigan basketball is a team to watch for the 6-foot-7 standout.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms.