NCAA Basketball: Top 10 remaining 2023 offseason battles to watch

5. Zyon Pullin – UC Riverside Highlanders

2022-23 season stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, and 4.2 apg

Recruiting battle: Florida vs LSU

Pullin is a three-year starter for the Highlanders, leading them in scoring and making them a legit contender in the Big West Conference. The 6’4 guard also is an efficient and consistent scorer with 49-39-77 shooting splits. Once Rayj Dennis made his decision to play for Baylor, Pullin instantly became the top ball-handlers in the transfer portal.

In the past week, Pullin had a list of five programs in contention. However, three of them (Michigan, Gonzaga, Xavier) are now out, leaving just the two SEC programs; Florida and LSU. The Gators had a hot start to the transfer portal, landing several players. However, the one position that hasn’t been filled is a true point guard. They did land Iona combo guard Walter Clayton Jr. but he’s not a true PG at the SEC level.

LSU has also landed several guards, including Tulane star, Jalen Cook in the backcourt. But after missing out on former Syracuse guard, Joe Girard, they’ve been looking for another perimeter player to pair with Cook. Pullin would be a nice final addition to either roster.

With the former UC Riverside star destined for the SEC, that makes his decision all the more important. The Tigers finished dead last in the standings last season, while the Gators struggled mightily once big man Colin Castleton got hurt and he’s now gone. They’re two programs with something to prove next season and this is the type of late pickup that’ll help make the jump.