NCAA Basketball: Analyzing top 5 teams for UC Riverside transfer Zyon Pullin
With Rayj Dennis having picked Baylor Thursday afternoon, UC Riverside transfer Zyon Pullin has the case of being the best point guard still left in the NCAA Basketball transfer portal. He’s a four-year player and two-time All-Big West performer, coming off averaging 18.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, and 4.2 apg. Pullin shot nearly 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range and scored at least eight points in every game this past season.
Expect the teams reportedly involved in his services to make a move to land him. Right now, there are five in the mix. But which of them makes the most sense from Pullin’s perspective? Here’s a closer look at each option.
NEWS: UC Riverside guard Zyon Pullin is withdrawing from the NBA draft and remains in the transfer portal, his agent, Scott Nichols, told ESPN. Just finished workout with the Pistons.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 31, 2023
Pullin has cut his list to five schools:
• Florida
• LSU
• Xavier
• Gonzaga
• Michigan pic.twitter.com/8Bx94h6MKF
Florida Gators
The Gators were a below-average passing team this past season and will be without Kyle Lofton and Myreon Jones. They added Walter Clayton, who played more off-the-ball at Iona, though he did average 16.8 ppg and 3.2 apg. Clayton isn’t a proven lead guard and having Pullin in the mix offers more security in the backcourt in the SEC.
The team was extremely busy in the offseason, adding four transfers. And returning guards Riley Kugel and Will Richard have the potential for big years. But if the point guard situation isn’t solid, the team could still struggle. Pullin and Clayton also can play alongside each other since both could shoot too. It’s a situation where the former UC Riverside starter isn’t guaranteed to start but there’s definitely playing time available.