NCAA Basketball: Analzying final 4 teams for transfer guard Marvin Johnson

One of the best players currently in the NCAA Basketball transfer portal is Marvin Johnson, a 6’6 wing from Eastern Illinois. A former star at Coffeyville at the Junior College level, Johnson spent the past two years with the Panthers.

After coming off the bench in his first year, the guard had a breakout campaign this past season. Johnson averaged a team-leading 15.3 ppg and 4.7 apg, along with 5.2 rpg. The senior reached double figures in 22 of 26 games while being close to notching a triple-double a couple of times during the year. Johnson also had a couple of steals a game as well as he was effective on both ends.

Thanks to the NCAA providing an extra year of eligibility, Johnson will be around NCAA Basketball for one more year. And after entering the transfer portal, a number of power conference programs have made offers.

Now that we know who the contenders are, here’s a closer look at how Johnson would fit with each of them.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Although Arkansas is in touch with just about every recruit in the portal, Johnson actually fits well with their roster. Although he’d likely come off the bench, he’s capable of playing all three backcourt positions. Transfers Chris Lykes, Stanley Umude, and JD Notae likely will start but there isn’t a ton of depth currently off the bench.

The Razorbacks are a preseason top-20 team for next season and would look even better with Johnson joining. He wouldn’t be guaranteed a major role but would more than likely be part of an NCAA Tournament team. What he’s willing to sacrifice will determine how viable this option is.

Georgia Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are the opposite of Arkansas in that their roster is one of the worst among the power conferences. Even after landing Gonzaga transfer Aaron Cook, Georgia doesn’t have much talent on the roster after losing just about everyone to the transfer portal.

If Johnson picked Georgia, he very well could end up being the best player on the team and have a chance to put up some numbers. However, the odds of winning many games would be low without question.

Ohio State Buckeyes

After adding point guard Jamari Wheeler and big man Joey Brunk, it was believed that the Buckeyes would be done with the portal this offseason. But that’ll depend on what stars EJ Liddell and Duane Washington Jr. does. Far as Johnson is concerned, if Washington does stay in the draft, he could simply slide in at the shooting guard position and get a fair amount of minutes for a preseason title contender.

However, if Washington comes back, Johnson could face not having much of a role at all. Top-30 combo guard Malaki Branham will be looking for minutes in the backcourt, while Justice Sueing and Seth Towns have the wing position on lock. This one feels more like a backup option for both sides rather than one with serious potential until the draft decisions are made.

Oklahoma Sooners

After losing De’Vion Harmon to Oregon this offseason, the Sooners brought in Duke grad transfer Jordan Goldwire to lead the offense. He’s a tremendous defender but not much of a proven scorer. The team does have returning seniors Umoja Gibson and Elijah Harkless but can certainly use more firepower from the backcourt that can do it bit of everything.

The versatility that Johnson offers would benefit Oklahoma more than any of the other three options. He can be an offensive upgrade over Goldwire when facilitating and has the size to play and defend at the wing position in three-guard lineups. New head coach Porter Moser can do wonders with a talent like Johnson as the Sooners look to remain in the top half of the Big 12.