NCAA Basketball: Graduate transfer Justin Pierce down to three schools

Justin Pierce is one of the top NCAA Basketball grad transfers in the market. Which of the three finalists are his best options?

In the over 700 players in the NCAA Basketball transfer portal, there are several who are high volume scorers, rebound machines, and excellent passers. But there are few capable of doing all three like Justin Pierce did this past season at William & Mary. The junior averaged 14.9 ppg, 8.9 rpg, and 4.1 apg, with the ladder two leading the Tribe. Pierce had some big individual performances, including going for 24 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in a win over Hofstra. It was one of several near triple-double games for the playmaker.

The 6’7 forward was awarded All-CAA honors but has elected to move on after head coach Tony Shaver was fired. His process has been one of the quicker ones so far in this transfer season, identifying three power conference teams he’s interested in playing for next year in his final year of eligibility.

Here’s a look at the three programs vying for Pierce’s services and where he would fit in when it comes to the respective rosters.

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan is starved for some offense after losing the team’s top three scorers, including Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis early to the draft. Neither Jon Teske or Zavier Simpson are great offensive players but Pierce can work off of both to create some scoring for not only him but others. This will be a young team overall next year for the Wolverines so having another veteran playmaker who can take the pressure off the point guard Simpson would be a nicer addition than just another pure scorer.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

After a dismal past season, the Irish are trying to get older while adding a talented player in the process. If Pierce does come to Notre Dame, he’d be the essential replacement to DJ Harvey, who’s currently in the transfer portal as of now. He’d join a good frontcourt with leading scorer and rebounder John Mooney, along with rising sophomore Nate Laszewski, with Prentiss Hubbs and Temple Gibbs leading the backcourt.

The biggest question for Pierce will be whether he takes the risk of joining the worst team in the ACC and not making the NCAA Tournament to finish out his career. He’ll have the opportunity to play meaningful minutes with the other two contenders, who’ll be better teams overall. There’s a playing style fit with Notre Dame but it might not be enough to translate to enough wins to go dancing.

UNC Tar Heels

The top five scorers will be gone for the Tar Heels, with not too many sure things coming back. Rechon Black, Seventh Woods, and Garrison Brooks are expected to have much bigger roles, with five-star center Armando Bacot coming into the fold. There’s also a very good chance that top-10 prospect Cole Anthony will be joining the Tar Heels, as his decision comes the morning of April 23rd.

UNC will need some scoring from the 3/4 spot and Pierce would fill that hole nicely. But he’s not the only high caliber transfer that Roy Williams is currently looking at. The Tar Heels are also looking at Rayjon Tucker, who averaged over 20 ppg at Little Rock this past season. He’s a 6’7 true wing who shot over 40% from three-point range. While Pierce is a better overall player, Tucker may be the better fit for UNC. Depending on what happens, the William & Mary transfer might just be a second option.

Prediction: Tucker’s involvement muddies the waters for Pierce so it would be best to scratch UNC off the list. The Glen Ellyn, Illinois native will be taking a heavy look at both Michigan and Notre Dame, both programs who are closer to home. Mike Brey has a great history of development and should turn the Fighting Irish back around soon. However, Jon Beilein and the Wolverines have not only sent multiple players to the pros in recent years but also to deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. That should give them the advantage to land the talented grad transfer Pierce.