NCAA Basketball: Star JUCO big Souleymane Doumbia choosing from 8 teams

East Tennessee State Buccaneers

When Steve Forbes was around as head coach during the Bucs five years of 25+ wins, he was one of the top recruiters at the Junior College level. The roster has been filled with former JUCO stars and has propelled the program to the top of the Southen Conference. Even with him off to Wake Forest, assistant Jason Shay has taken over and has ties of his own to work with.

There’s a huge need for big men to join the new era for ETSU, once centers Octavion Corley and Silas Adheke graduate after next season. Doumbia would have a major role with this team and would be guaranteed plenty of minutes, compared to risking it at the power conference level. But is he willing to opt for a mid-major when bigger offers are available?

Georgia Bulldogs

Last year’s recruiting class featured No. 2 overall recruit, Anthony Edwards. The current group of newcomers features a number of grad transfers, as well as a trio of Junior College imports. That includes a pair of forwards in Jonathan Ned and Tyron McMillan, who came from Kilgore, Texas.

Doumbia would benefit from playing with fellow former JUCO players on the roster and would have available playing time for the 2021-22 season. The Bulldogs aren’t contending for an NCAA Tournament spot barring someone breaking out from the roster but the ability to play in the SEC is a good selling point for the big man prospect to consider.