NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 6 finalists for VCU transfer Jalen Deloach
2. Miami Hurricanes
Miami has its center for the next year in Norchad Omier, who averaged a double-double this past season. Junior forward Anthony Walker is the current backup but they could upgrade there this offseason. It’s the power forward position that’s going to be more open since starter Jordan Miller is moving on.
Going from the offensive-minded Miller to the defensive-minded Deloach would be a change but the Hurricanes’ defense was a weakness overall, one that UConn was able to exploit in the Final Four. And if Nijel Pack and ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong are back on the perimeter, they won’t need as much scoring inside to remain a contender next season.
1. San Diego State Aztecs
Moving to the power conference level could be a risk for Deloach so the one option that has the least risk could be the Mountain West program that just went to the Final Four. San Diego State is the VCU of the West when it comes to its defensive reputation. They’re in a position to add new talent since they’re set to lose a number of key pieces.
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Several of those are in the frontcourt, as starting center Nathan Mensah and backups Aguek Arop and Jaedon Ledee will be moving on. There’s plenty of playing time available for the former Ram to come in and start for San Diego State and play for a winning program without having to make much of a transition either. It would be ironic that Deloach left a Mountain West coach for a program in the same league but on paper, it makes the most sense.