NCAA Basketball: Grad transfer Justin Turner considering 4 schools after cutting Louisville

Grad transfer Justin Turner is now down to four schools after trimming the Louisville from his list.

Justin Turner has been one of the most sought after grad transfers on the NCAA market since declaring his intention of transferring from Bowling Green on March 22. Then five days later, the 6-4 guard

cut his list down to six

–Missouri, Xavier, Marquette, Arkansas, Louisville, and Iowa State. Turner initially heard from over 30 programs.

Now, Turner is just considering four schools after trimming cut Louisville from his list on April 5. Missouri, Marquette, along with Iowa State made the cut and, according to The Stadium’s Jeff Goodman, a return to Bowling Green is also a possibility for the Detroit native. Goodman also said that a decision could be made in the next week.

Turner is a pure scorer who is very dangerous from the 3-point line in transition. Turner is very good at attacking downhill in ball screens and finishes well at the rim. He also has the ability to be a team’s secondary ball-handler.

Turner, who appeared in just four games as a freshman, has strung together three straight strong campaigns. He averaged 18.8 along with 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc in 2019-20. Turner produced one double-double and scored in double-figures in 22 of 25 contests with 14 outings of 20 or more points.

So, where will he end up? Here is an in-depth look at the four schools:

Missouri: Cuonzo Martin may have to rebuild his roster if Xavier Pinson, Mark Smith, and Jeremiah Tillmon remain in the NBA Draft.  However, Martin has had a lot of success in bringing transfers, and the Tigers could use a perimeter scorer. He would instantly give the Tigers one of the most talented backcourts in the SEC along with Pinson, Smith and Dru Smith. Missouri has struggled the last two years, posting only 15 wins in each of the previous two campaigns though they finished among the bottom four teams in the SEC in each of those seasons.

Marquette: Marquette also needs some players who can put the ball in the basket as they will be missing leading scorers Markus Howard and Sacar Anim, who combined to produce nearly 41 points a game. The Golden Eagles have two more scholarships to give out for this upcoming season, and they desperately use some backcourt help with just Koby McEwen, Symir Torrence, Greg Elliott, Jamal Cain, and Brendan Bailey as the only players currently who can play either the 1,2 or 3 on scholarship. Marquette went 18-12 last year, marking the fifth straight year that the Eagles have won at least 18 games, and has made the postseason in each of the last three years.

Iowa State: Iowa State struggled this past season, and their season collapsed after losing star point guard Tyrese Haliburton with nine games remaining. The Cyclones lost seven of their last nine to finish the campaign at 12-20. Haliburton is taking his talents to the NBA.

The Cyclones do need help in the backcourt as combo guard Rasir Bolton is the only significant returnee. However, they are also reportedly interested in Wichita State’s Jamarius Burton as well as JUCO transfer Elbert Ellis and Harvard grad transfer Bryce Aiken. Iowa State, which has signed four players, including three-star point guard Jaden Walker, has four scholarships more to hand out in 2020.

Bowling Green: Bowling Green has won 20 games and finished second in the MAC East with 12 victories in each of the last two campaigns. The Falcons just basically lose guard Dylan Frye, who led the team in assists and second in scoring, and reserve forward Marlon Sierra.

Prediction:  I believe that Turner only returns to BGU if something falls through with the other three schools. So, while I genuinely think that he could end up at any of the three landing spots, here is the order of the other three schools: 1. Marquette, 2. Missouri 3. Iowa State