NCAA Basketball: Analyzing 4 teams in play for transfer De'Sean Allen-Eikens
Although the NCAA Basketball transfer portal is technically "closed", there is a rule from the NCAA that if players are granted an extra year of eligibility for any reason. For some, they're hoping that the NCAA gives them a medical waiver. One of them is De'Sean Allen-Eikens, a 6'6 guard who spent the last two years at Cal State Northridge.
Allen-Eikens is coming off a career year of 18.8 ppg and 5.3 rpg on 48% shooting from the field. The All-Big West performer had a number of big outings, including a career-high 34 points and nine rebounds at Hawaii.
The senior guard recently entered the transfer portal and if granted an extra year, Allen-Eikens would instantly be a sought-after target. However, there's a real chance that this won't matter if the NCAA denies a waiver. For now though, there are a few teams reportedly in the mix. Here's a look at his potential fit with each of these teams.
Last week, Memphis made contact with CSUN 6’6” transfer De'Sean Allen-Eikens (@DeseanEikens), per @ThePortalReport.
— Hitmen Hoops (@HitmenHoops) June 12, 2024
Allen-Eikens tells me that Memphis, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Hawaii are currently recruiting him the heaviest.
Averaged 18.8 PTS and 5.3 REB on 48/36/74… pic.twitter.com/INn3RovNK6
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Allen-Eikens is familiar with Hawaii as a Big West player and there's no better location to play at. Considering that the program lost its top five scorers and still have multiple spots to fill, this transfer can easily come in and be the focal point of the offense and not have to worry about not getting minutes.
Memphis Tigers
The Tigers lost its star 6'6 wing a couple of weeks ago when leading scorer David Jones elected to stay in the NBA Draft. They don't have a lot of depth on the wings so this is a spot where Allen-Eikens could find a spot in the rotation for a team with top-25 potential. Plus, while the AAC is an upgrade over the Big West talent wise, it's still below the power conference ranks.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Like Memphis, Minnesota also lost its starting wing to the draft, with freshman Cam Christie being a somewhat surprise departure. They did add transfers Brennan Rigsby and Femi Odukale but neither should be viewed as sure bets to be starters or high impact players. Allen-Aikens would certainly have a chance to find his way into the rotation, though playing in the Big Ten would be a big step up in competition.
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Rhode Island Rams
Coach Archie Miller is looking for a step in the right direction for the program but the Rams have been lacking either top-tier talent or enough depth to compete in the Atlantic 10. They do bring back key scorers David Green and Jaden House but could use a third double-digit scorer to feel good about its roster next season. Allen-Eikens would be a solid piece and can play at this level, though the odds of winning may be smaller compared to the other possible options.