NCAA Basketball: 10 teams who should target Purdue transfer Nojel Eastern
SMU Mustangs
The Mustangs had three players who averaged 14 ppg last season but not much other production from the rest of the cast. Two of them (Tyson Jolly and Isiaha Mike) will graduate after next year, while Kendric Davis is a candidate to enter the 2021 NBA Draft if he has another great passing season.
There’s no one in the portal who can individually replace all of that production but adding a defensive wizard who can pass is a big deal. It’s easier to find offense in the portal next offseason if need be for SMU but of realistic options, Eastern is someone they can get and have a power conference impact player available for 2021-22.
VCU Rams
There might not be a better fit team-wise for Eastern than the VCU Rams, who have been a defensive juggernaut ever since the Shaka Smart days. They’ll be tried and tested next season, with a number of seniors gone along with Marcus Santos-Silva grad transferring over to Texas Tech.
Outside of freshman guard Bones Hyland, there just isn’t much left for the Rams going forward, as they’ll be looking for transfers to fill the talent void. Eastern would be a great addition who could fit their system perfectly and be a focal point of their offense.
Next. Early Big Ten power rankings for 2020-21. dark
For Eastern to leave Purdue at this juncture, finding the right landing spot is so important, particularly assuming that he has to sit out for a season. Is getting the most amount of minutes the biggest factor, system, or best chance at winning? It’ll be interesting to see who lands this great athlete who has plenty to provide for a new team.