NCAA Basketball: Duke, Kentucky among the 8 finalists for transfer Johni Broome

When Murray State center Johni Broome entered the NCAA Basketball transfer portal, it was expected that he would get interest from every power conference program that needs a big man. Turns out, even teams that already have a big man (for now) have been in contact with the sophomore in the past week.

It makes sense, because Broome is one of the best defensive frontcourt players in NCAA Basketball, averaging nearly four blocks a game, while also averaging 16.8 ppg and 10.5 rpg this past season with the Racers. He’s a player whose skillset should translate easily to the high major level and we’re now down to the final eight options for Broome. Here’s how I would rank each option in terms of best overall fit.

The Cardinals have a new head coach in Kenny Payne, who was recently an assistant with the New York Knicks. So playing for someone who knows what it takes to get to the NBA level would be a positive for someone like Broome who will be looking to get there one day.

The issue will be how Broome works with the newly made roster. Several guys transferred out after the coaching change and the current backcourt features El Ellis and incoming freshman De’Ante Davis. Sydney Curry is back and I doubt he and Broome would play well together and after the Curry and Malik Williams disaster pairing on the court, I also doubt that Louisville would try again.

Louisville could be an NCAA Tournament contender with Broome and a few other pieces from the portal but the rest of this list are much safer options for the transfer and offers more in every other category. Realistically, the Cardinals aren’t going to have much of a chance in this sweepstakes.