NCAA Basketball: Analyzing all 13 teams invovled with Rhode Island transfer Fatts Russell
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Mac McClung experiment worked out well with the Red Raiders this season after transferring from Georgetown. Coach Chris Beard enjoys using the portal to find talent and will likely do so again, especially once McClung decides what to do this offseason.
It was rumored that he would only be around for one season after getting a waiver to play, which would then create a clear opportunity for Russell to join. But even if he opts to stay for one more year, there’s a scenario where both McClung and Russell can share a backcourt. However, two high-volume scorers like them make it hard to see them both wanting that.
Odds: Low if McClung returns, Decent if he goes pro
UCLA Bruins
Redshirt sophomore Tyger Campbell has faced his fair share of criticisms in his career at UCLA. But he’s been great this season, producing 10.1 ppg and 5.4 apg and leading the team to a Sweet 16 appearance. The rest of the backcourt, including leading scorer Johnny Juzang, Jaime Jaquez, and Jules Bernard, are double-digit contributors as well.
Since none of them are seniors, they could very well return for another year. Add to it top-50 point guard Will McClendon and five-star wing Peyton Watson joining the fold also, there just won’t be any real space for Russell to have meaningful minutes.
Odds: Very Low
Next. Ranking Sweet 16 teams. dark
But if one or more opts to leave, then this would become a much more appealing potential destination. We’ll have to wait and see some of the future NBA Draft decisions to determine which of these options are legit but don’t be surprised if one move opens things up for Fatts Russell to make a clear decision.