LSU could consider graduate transfers, JUCO targets to fill out basketball roster

With the departure this past week of Brandon Sampson, the LSU men’s basketball program is now sitting on three scholarship opening on next season’s roster Head coach Will Wade is meticulously attempting to fill.

The LSU staff is scouring the countryside with a model as to what type of player they are seeking. The players that they hope to add in the remaining slots will be experienced grad transfers or JUCO late additions. It will be vital to get the right fit, lending leadership to a young, talented group including a stellar signing class of elite freshmen.

Here are potential graduate transfer targets this month:

Matt Mooney (6-3, 210)

After beginning his career at Air Force, Mooney transferred to South Dakota where he has averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He’s a long range shooter, something Wade covets. The Wauconda, Illinois native hits 50 percent from the field and 36 percent from beyond the arc as a high volume shooter.

If Wade pursues Mooney, he’s got plenty of company. Michigan, Ohio State, TCU, Iowa State, Memphis, Texas Tech, Indiana, Oregon, Northwestern and Arizona State are all reportedly interested as well.

Chris Howell (6-5, 217)

A wing who has two years of eligibility remaining, Howell averaged 4.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, hitting 47.8 percent from the floor and 67 percent from three at South Dakota State. His season high came against Oral Roberts this year with 20 points and 12 boards. He was previously a Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas where he posted 11.8 points and 6.8 boards per outing. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin product is a patient, hard worker who is willing to do whatever it takes.

Troy Holston (6-4, 200)

Another grad transfer prospect who averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 three pointers per game at South Florida in 2016-17, Holston tore his left ACL in Sept. ’17 and missed the past season. He appears to be fully healed and ready to hit the ground running.

Nick Horton (5-10, 168)

The three-year starter at UAB was the 2016 Conference USA Scholar Athlete of the Year. Horton is a native of Birmingham – that’s Illinois and not Alabama – and comes from a basketball background. His dad Randy is the UAB women’s basketball coach. Norton was the Blazers’ fifth leading scorer last season averaging 7.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, hitting 37.6 percent from the field, 34 percent from three-point territory. He’s a savvy leader who makes good decisions with the ball. Horton is scheduled to visit Ohio State and Purdue. The Boilermakers have a void at point guard.

Ryan “Welly” Welage (6-9, 205)

If the Tigers are looking for some length, how about this long wing from from San Jose State. Welage did not redshirt and could graduate this summer. The Greensburg, Indiana product averaged 18 points, connecting on 43 percent from behind arc. During his three seasons with the Spartans, Welage was true on 161 three pointers. He’s smart, twice selected Academic All Mountain West.

Robert Cartwright (6-2, 180)

The former Stanford Cardinal put up 4.7 points, 2.3 assists, hit on 36.8 percent from field, made 74.2 percent of his free throws and posted 32.7 percent from behind arc. The former 4 star recruit out of Pasadena, Calif. chose Stanford over Harvard, Eastern Washington, Rice and San Diego. His season high was 11 points and five assists against Montana on November 29th. He suffered a compound fracture of his r-arm 2 seasons ago.

Landon Goesling (6-2, 175)

St. Edwards Jackrabbits (NCAA Div. II) combo guard has one season remaining. He began his college career at Appalachian Stat. Goesling averages 14 points per game, hitting 40 percent from field, 43 percent on his treys and 70 percent from the charity stripe. His brother-in-law is L.A. Rams linebacker Bryce Hager.

Khwan Fore (6-0, 175)

The former Richmond point guard averaged 11 points, hitting 48 percent from floor and 65.5 percent from free throw line. He played in 98 games for the Spiders.

If Will Wade wants to fill those spots via the JUCO route, here are some options…

Marlon Taylor (6-6, 210)

The wing out of Panola College averages 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds, hitting 56 percent from field and 32 percent from long range. He also holds a 3.4 GPA. Offers from Jacksonville State, St. Bonaventure, Fresno State, Loyola Maramount, Bradley, Xavier and Florida Atlantic are among Taylor’s options but LSU is taking a wait-and-see approach.

J.J. Rhymes (6-4, 205)

The Hutchinson C.C. product originally committed to Wichita State two seasons ago. He’s an outstanding athlete with good strength and quickness. Rhymes averaged 15.9 points and 4.5 rebounds hitting 47.7 percent from field.

Tremell Murphy (6-6, 206)

A NJCAA All American and Suncoast Player of the Year at Florida Southwestern, he averages 16.7 points, 7 boards and 2 assists. He’s connecting on 38.6 percent from long range, 54.2 percent from floor and 76 percent from line. Murphy hit for 33 points against Miami Dade this season.

Mohamed Thiam (6-8, 200)

A power forward out of Marshalltown JUCO, he is originally from Dekar, Senegal. At the moment, Arkansas is his lone suitor. He averages 14.2 points and 10 boards, hitting 46.3 percent from the floor and 31 percent from the arc.

Ivan Aurrecoechea (6-8, 240)

The Indian Hills strongman averages 13 points along with 11.5 rebounds while connecting on 59.2 percent of his shots. He attacks the basketball and a tenacious rebounder and very physical prescence.

Roderick Williams (6-7, 210)

The Los Angeles native produces 18.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per outing. He hits on 59.5 percent from field. Very athletic, he can run floor well.

Antun Maricevic (6-10, 235)

From Zagreb, Croatia, he is a banger at Casper College who averages 15.5 points and 7.8 rebounds, shooting 67.3 percent from field, 83 percent from free throw line. He is also deadly from long range, draining 50 percent from behind arc. He committed to South Florida March 31 but hasn’t signed yet.

I can’t guarantee all of these are on Will Wade’s “wish list” right now, but I bet a few are.