NCAA Basketball: Analyzing transfer Marcus Santos-Silva final 6 teams

FAIRFAX, VA - JANUARY 05: Marcus Santos-Silva #14 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams takes a foul shot during a college basketball game against the George Mason Patriots at the Eagle Bank Arena on January 5, 2020 in Fairfax, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: The Mississippi Rebels mascot (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Ole Miss Rebels

Last season, Ole Miss’ lack of depth in the frontcourt was a big issue for their 15-17 season, having just Khadim Sy (9.0 ppg and 5.5 rpg) to bang down low. They’ll have an issue next year with trying to replace leading scorer Breein Tyree’s production (19.7 ppg) but between Devontae Shuler, KJ Buffen, Blake Hinson and Cal State Bakersfield transfer Markel Joiner, the Rebels backcourt and wing positions are in good shape. They also added Rider grad transfer, Dimencio Vaughn, for depth purposes as well.

Ole Miss also added a transfer this offseason in Robert Allen, a 6’8 forward who averaged 14.1 ppg and 7.0 rpg this past season for Samford (could be eligible next year with rule change). He also shot 32/111 (29%) from three-point range as well. That’s important to note, as he may be paired with Santos-Silva in the frontcourt if the VC transfer picks this SEC team. Sy made just seven three-pointers last season but does have the ability to play both the power forward and center positions. Allen can play the four-spot while Santos-Silva is best at the five.

Having all three together would be great for depth but Sy, Allen and Santos-Silva are not ideal fits. And if the ladder picks Ole Miss, the other two could easily opt-out and play somewhere else. And limiting Sammy Hunter, who I think can be a breakout candidate next season minutes, may not be what’s best for the program in the long-term.

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