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NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 7 finalists for grad transfer EJ Anosike

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: E.J. Anosike #24 of the Sacred Heart Pioneers reacts against the St. John's Red Storm at Carnesecca Arena on December 22, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: E.J. Anosike #24 of the Sacred Heart Pioneers reacts against the St. John's Red Storm at Carnesecca Arena on December 22, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 16: Drew Timme #2, Killian Tillie #33 and Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 16: Drew Timme #2, Killian Tillie #33 and Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

4. Georgetown Hoyas

The Hoyas overall record of 15-17 (5-13) is a bit misleading because due to injuries and a midseason exodus, the team had a few as four scholarship players in the last month of the season. They certainly have a few open spots, especially in the frontcourt where they may have to replace leading scorer and rebounder Omer Yurtseven. But if he does decide to return, he and Anosike would create arguably the best starting frontcourt in the Big East.

Head coach Patrick Ewing is great for developing big men but the 6’6 Anosike is a different kind of frontcourt asset. The playstyle and physicality of the Big East have been a major problem for mid-major transfers recently as well, although Anosike looks to be built for the conference and is willing to bang down low. Georgetown could really use another body inside if they’re going to make a run to the Big Dance but compared to the top options, will likely fall short.

3. Gonzaga Bulldogs

What the Bulldogs can offer transfers, particularly those from one-bid mid-major leagues is the guarantee that they’ll make the NCAA Tournament. It’s been like that for 20+ years and this team is a consensus way-too-early preseason top-10 pick for next year, even assuming WCC Player of the Year Filip Petrusev goes pro this season. What head coach Mark Few is looking for is experienced upperclassmen, with Corey Kispert (if he returns) the only current senior on the roster.

Even at 6’6, Anosike’s size won’t be a detriment in the WCC and there are countless examples of transfers from all over having great success at Gonzaga. But this is the one case where a team may have something already better on the roster. Anton Watson‘s freshman season was cut short with a shoulder injury but he displayed elite versatile defense and could score when he had the ball. He’s a breakout candidate (along with Drew Timme) for next season and Anosike isn’t guaranteed to start. The Bulldogs should be taken seriously as a candidate always but there are better options for the grad transfer to explore.

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