NCAA Basketball: Analyzing final 5 options for transfer guard Cedric Russell

One of the best players in the Sun Belt last season has entered the NCAA Basketball transfer portal. Cedric Russell is coming off a career year with the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, averaging 17.2 ppg, while making 40% from three-point range on over seven attempts a game.

The 6’2 shooting guard has 88 starts in his four years and was named to the All-Sun Belt team this past season. Although he can be efficient at times, Russell can still score anywhere on the court and put up some lofty numbers.

Had he returned, Russell would’ve been part of a preseason contender in the Sun Belt and one of the best mid-major NCAA Basketball teams next season. Now, he could be the key newcomer for another team in their respective quest to make the NCAA Tournament.

After a number of programs reached out in the past couple of weeks, Russell is now down to five teams; Marquette, Texas Tech, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and St. John’s. Which of them should be viewed as the best potential fit for the senior guard? Here’s a closed look at all five options.

Marquette Golden Eagles

After the duo departures of both DJ Carton and Koby McEwen this offseason, there were some questions regarding the backcourt for the Golden Eagles. However, the recent pickup of Maryland guard and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Darryl Morsell gives them a lead ball-handler to work with.

With leading scorer Dawson Garcia also gone, Russell can come in, likely start, and be a featured part of the offense. He and Morsell would be a complementary backcourt, albeit a small one. But without a true veteran wing also on the roster, Marquette could also use a three-guard lineup with Oklahoma transfer big man Kur Kuath inside to give them as much balance as possible.