NCAA Basketball: 10 teams that should target Chattanooga transfer Malachi Smith

South Carolina Gamecocks

Assuming Smith and his former coach at Chattanooga have a good relationship, the South Carolina Gamecocks have to be considered the clubhouse leader for Smith’s services. It’s a logical way to stay close by and move up to the next level at a school where pressure won’t be as high as some of college basketball’s blue bloods.

Smith broke out under Paris’ tutelage. It would be an easy combination to bring each other along at the next stages of their respective careers.

South Carolina has lost a lot this offseason, including Devin Carter and Jermaine Couisnard. But they’ve also brought in solid transfers in Hayden Brown and Meechie Johnson. Smith could help elevate the Gamecocks to a mid-tier team in the SEC.

Duke Blue Devils

As expected, Duke has lost most of its core to the NBA Draft, along with its Hall of Fame head coach. Jon Scheyer was set up to succeed quickly in Durham, but it wouldn’t hurt to have additional help.

Duke recently reeled in Harvard transfer Kale Catchings and is in hot pursuit of South Dakota State transfer Baylor Scheierman. Dereck Lively II, Kyle Filipowski, and Dariq Whitehead are all on the way.

Still, there likely won’t be much veteran experience on the roster next year, which could be a sore spot for a first-year head coach. Smith would be perfect to fill the veteran role while contributing in a big way.