This edition of the AAC Basketball notebook will look at UCF’s interest in both Jalen Tate and Malik Zachery. I will also look at the two transfers that Temple has recently brought in as well as SMU’s Kendric Davis and Tyler Jolly’s decision to return to school, among many other news items.
Northern Kentucky transfer Jalen Tate has heard from 13 programs since entering the NCAA transfer portal on March 27. However, six schools, including two AAC Basketball schools, have pursued him the hardest, according to Justin Williams of The Athletic. Williams tweeted that Cincinnati and UCF were among those six schools that have shown the most interest.
Per Jason Beede of UCF Knights247, UCF coach Johnny Dawkins is looking to add a grad transfer and reportedly wants Tate “pretty bad.” Tate was described as the “perfect fit” for the Knights, and they need a starting point guard as Dazon Ingram graduates this spring. Ingram’s departure leaves Tony Johnson Jr. as the only true point guard on the roster as of now. UCF, which went 16-14 in 2019-20, has two scholarships left in 2020.
Meanwhile, Tate played for current Cincinnati head coach John Brannen at NKU for three seasons before Brannen bolted north. The Bearcats are also in need of guard help with Chris McNeal along with Jaevin Cumberland and Jaron Cumberland, having exhausted all their eligibility. Freshman Mika Adams-Woods showed flashes of brilliance, but consistency was an issue while junior. and second-leading scorer Keith Williams will also return. The Bearcats also have inked 2020 three-star point guard Mike Saunders Jr. as well as three-star combo guard Mason Madsen. Cincinnati finished second in the AAC and posted 20 victories overall, marking the 10th consecutive years that the Cats won at least that many victories. The Bearcats have two more scholarships available to dole out in 2020.
Tate averaged 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this past season in 22 appearances while shooting 48.5% from the field and 18.2% from beyond the arc in 2019-20. The Horizon League Tournament MVP also produced one double-double and scored in double figures 16 times. His best performance came against IUPUI, where he recorded 31 points along with a season-high six steals.
The Pickerington (OH) native is very versatile as he does a lot of little things but where he thrives on the defensive end. He is long and athletic with outstanding instincts. Tate is very good with the ball in his hands and is excellent around the rim while also possessing a strong mid-range game. Although he has the ability to knock down an open perimeter shot, 3-point shooting and turnovers are an issue.
Tate is expected to trim his list at some point in the near future so we will see if the Knights and/or Bearcats make the cut. Tate will be immediately eligible to play next year as a grad transfer.