There’s a strong case to be made that Desmond Claude is the best available player in the transfer portal who isn’t in the NBA Draft process. He’s coming off averaging 15.8 ppg and 4.2 apg this past season at USC and is a proven high-major contributor.
Claude's recruitment has changed after entering the transfer portal around the deadline. At one point, he was figured to be a near lock for the Florida Gators, but they’ve reportedly moved on and have since landed Boogie Fland. There was a visit to Alabama set a week ago but that’s been put off.
Still, the Crimson Tide is in the mix for Claude, along with a couple of programs in the state of Washington. Here’s a closer look at how he’d fit with the three reported options.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide lost All-American guard Mark Sears and freshman guard Labaron Philon this offseason, leaving Aden Holloway and Miami transfer Jalil Bethea as the projected lead guards, along with a couple of returning players (Latrell Wrightsell and Houston Mallette). Coach Nate Oats always has one of the best offenses in college basketball, but there are definite question marks with this group. Adding Claude would give them an all-league guard in the SEC, and the transfer could excel with this kind of fast-paced offense.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga is set to have a completely new backcourt this upcoming season after losing veterans Nolan Hickman and Ryan Nembhard. But this group doesn’t have the same kind of scoring potency, with ASU transfer Adam Miller being the best scorer on paper, and he’s a career 10 ppg scorer. Claude would instantly be the best guard on the team and a focal point, while playing for one of the safest bets to make the NCAA Tournament in college basketball. Plus, he can put up some huge numbers in WCC play as well.
Washington Huskies
The Huskies are an interesting option for multiple reasons. They’ve landed some notable mid-major stars such as Quimari Peterson (East Tennessee State) and Jacob Ognacevic (Lipscomb), and Claude could reunite with former Trojan, Wesley Yates. They also would be willing to have Claude play on-ball more since they allowed forward Great Osobor to run point-forward last season. Of course, Washington doesn’t compare to both Gonzaga and Alabama when it comes to winning, so it would have to be about role and money for Claude to pick the Huskies over them.