NCAA Basketball: Analyzing Miami (OH) transfer Nike Sibande final 5 teams
There are five NCAA Basketball teams in the running to land transfer guard Nike Sibande. Which of them provides the best potential fit?
Over a week ago, there was another addition to the NCAA Basketball transfer portal. This time it came from Miami (OH) with leading scorer and rebounder Nike Sibande, who averaged 13.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg this past season. The 6’4 guard’s numbers don’t jump out immediately but there is an elite level of consistency with his game.
Sibande has been an impact player right out the gate for the Redhawks, producing 15.1 and 16.1 ppg respectively in the first two seasons. He’s one of only 20 NCAA Basketball players in the past three seasons to go for at least 13 ppg and four rebounds. The junior is a great athlete, strong rebounder from the shooting guard position and can defend as well. Sibande’s game translates well to the power conference level, which is why so many teams have been after him.
The guard has recently sized down his list of options to a select group of five; Alabama, Arkansas, Georgetown, Georgia and Xavier. Sibande is a sit one, play one transfer, so whichever program lands him will only have a season with him. But even for a year, he’ll have a big impact on whichever program he decides. Here’s a look at his potential fit with all five.
Alabama Crimson Tide
It makes perfect sense as to why the Tide would want Sibande. He provides good offense from the off-ball position and is a better defender than any of the returning guards they do have. The offensive scheme would help develop his game in the two years with the program.
As for the player, it’s always a risk to sit out for a season for a team and head coach in Nate Oats who constantly is in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail overall. And unless rising sophomore guard Jaden Shackelford declares for the NBA Draft after next season, Sibande would likely have to accept a backup role. That doesn’t even include what incoming four-star guard Josh Primo does to insert himself into the rotation.