The Cardinals’ offseason was one of the best in the nation, as they brought in three elite guards, including 5-star transfer Adrian Wooley. Louisville basketball currently has the sixth-best odds to win the National Championship next season, and depending on how Louisville fills out its roster, it might be the frontrunners.
The Cardinals were linked to one of the best players still available, Jamir Watkins, early in his recruiting process. The Florida State transfer entered the transfer portal but also tested out his NBA Draft buzz. However, 247Sports reported that Watkins’ NBA Draft buzz is “dwindling,” making him Louisville’s immediate No. 1 target.
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Watkins hasn’t gained much buzz to be drafted in the first round, making it clear that the Florida State transfer will likely return to college basketball next season. The 5-star transfer is ranked as high as the seventh-best player to enter the portal and is the fourth-best player still available.
The Cardinals were linked to Watkins early, as it was reported that Louisville was one of three teams that “could be in the mix” for the 6-foot-7 transfer out of Florida State. Louisville’s starting lineup would be one of the best in the nation, consisting of three 5-stars and elite NBA-caliber players in Mikel Brown Jr. and Watkins.
247Sports reported that the Cardinals’ ACC rival, the North Carolina Tar Heels, is a team that would “make sense” for him to commit to and play for, but the article did not report anything more than that. Louisville appears to be in a fierce battle with North Carolina and Kentucky for this 5-star transfer once he exits the NBA Draft. Watkins must withdraw his name by May 28 if he wants NCAA eligibility for the 2025-26 season, meaning the 5-star transfer has less than two weeks to decide his future.
Last season, he was named to the All-ACC Second Team after averaging 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He had some impressive shooting splits as he shot 42 percent from the field and 32 percent from the 3-point line. He was a force to be reckoned with as he was a dominant scorer nearly every night, as he scored 20 points or more in 12 games, 25 points or more in five games, and earned his season-high 30-point performance against Rice.
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For all the latest on Louisville basketball’s offseason, stay tuned.
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