Xavier Basketball: Could Geno Crandall be another grad transfer addition?

Xavier basketball has been active on the transfer market throughout this offseason. With Geno Crandall available, could Coach Steele add another transfer?

While recruiting out of high school remains the most important part of building a roster in college basketball, the transfer market is creeping closer with each offseason. Over the past few months, not many programs have been as active in seeking out these transfers as Xavier basketball. Under new head coach Travis Steele, the Musketeers have scoured the market and received commitments from three transfers. It seemed as though the program was done after this but that might not be the case anymore. Following Geno Crandall‘s decision to graduate from North Dakota early and pursue transfer opportunities, Xavier was quickly linked to the 6-foot-2 guard.

As the Grand Forks Herald reports, North Dakota head coach Brian Jones wishes that he would have been able to coach Crandall for another season but understands how the transfer market plays a role in college hoops these days. This is obviously a tough blow for the Fighting Hawks. Yet, this decision will open plenty of doors for Crandall as he looks to pursue his best opportunity. With Xavier in the mix, he could be making a big leap in terms of conference affiliation. As a graduate transfer, he will have immediate eligibility.

What could Crandall potentially bring to Xavier?

First of all, he would bring another veteran presence to the roster. Although Xavier will certainly be talented next season regardless of if Crandall joins or not, the program is going to have a tough time making up for offseason losses. Most notably, the leadership that was provided by J.P. Macura and Trevon Bluiett will be hard to replace. Having already played three years of college basketball, starting 90 of 94 games, Crandall has extensive experience and can immediately make an impact in that regard.

In addition, Crandall is quite simply an all-around player who can make an impact in a variety of ways. He started every game for the Fighting Hawks last season and was one of the best two-way players in the Big Sky. An efficient scorer from anywhere on the floor, Crandall shot 50.3% from the field overall and 41.7% from three last season while adding 16.6 points per game. In addition, his counting stats also show averages of 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest.

Possibly the only glaring issue with Crandall is his high turnover rate (3.3 per game last season). However, this rate could significantly be decreased when the huge burden of responsibility he had at UND is lifted. While playing with more talented teammates, Crandall would not have to force the issue as much on the offensive end and therefore could be a much better playmaker.

Who else is in the mix to land Crandall?

Gonzaga: If Crandall has hopes of making a deep NCAA Tournament run in his final collegiate season, then Gonzaga would be an excellent selection. The Bulldogs will be a preseason top-5 team in the nation heading into 2018-19 and they have scholarships available. However, the downside of heading to Spokane is that he would likely have to play in a reserve role off the bench.

Colorado State: Heading to Colorado State would also offer a number of possibilities. For starters, it would keep Crandall relatively close to his last college home while also making the jump to the MWC. He would also have the ability to be one of the go-to players. However, the odds of the Rams making the Big Dance are slim.

New Mexico State: The powerhouse of the WAC, New Mexico State has some holes to fill leading into 2018-19. This is where Crandall could be a solid starter for a top mid-major program. The Aggies have made the NCAA Tournament in six of the last seven years.

Minnesota: Crandall is from Minneapolis. Because of this, Minnesota seems like a program that could be interested. However, the Gophers do not have any scholarships remaining. Because of this, Crandall landing here would take someone leaving the program in the next couple of weeks.

Next: Way-too-early 2019 Bracketology

As stated in the article by the Grand Forks Herald, Crandall expects to make his decision around the Fourth of July. All of the schools mentioned in this article will be eagerly awaiting his commitment for the 2018-19 season.