NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 3 teams for UT Arlington transfer Phillip Russell
Talented scoring guard Phillip Russell is down to three NCAA Basketball options in the transfer portal. Which of them is the best potential fit?
After limited minutes as a freshman at Saint Louis, Phillip Russell transferred over to SEMO, where he became one of the better mid-major scorers in NCAA Basketball. After two years there, the 5'10 ball-handler transferred to UT-Arlington. In 22 games played, Russell led the team with 14.9 ppg and 4.4 apg, shooting 38% from three-point range.
Russell, who earned WAC 6th Man of the Year honors, entered the portal again this offseason. And now, he's reportedly down to just three options, including a return to the Mavericks. Here's a closer look at his fit with each potential option.
NEWS: UT Arlington transfer guard Phillip Russell is down to 3 schools, he tells 336Edits.
— 336 Edits (@336Edits) April 29, 2024
Averaged 14.9 points and 4.4 assists this season. pic.twitter.com/x2Z3R5iV63
Cal Bears
The Bears have added nine transfers so far this offseason and Russell may be the 10th, if there's truly room for him. He's a ball-handler that can score but there's already a number of scoring guards from the portal, including Western Carolina's DJ Campbell and Christan Tucker, who averaged 11.3 ppg and 5.4 apg at UTSA. Russell could compete with Tucker for the starting PG role but there's plenty of depth to deal with in the backcourt already.
UT-Arlington Mavericks
The Mavericks had a good season in WAC, finishing 3rd in the standings. They were led by Dajuan Gordon (12.9 ppg and 8.2 rpg), who is out of eligibility. Russell likely would become the starter again in his place and alongside Makaih Williams would have one of the best backcourts in the conference. And there wouldn't be any risk of him falling down the depth chart here.
Washington State Cougars
WTE ACC power rankings for 2024-25. WTE ACC power rankings for 2024-25. dark. Next
While Cal is going to ACC next season, Washington State will be going to the WCC. The move has sent a number of guards from the team to the transfer portal, opening up plenty of available minutes. That could be of benefit in this specific recruitment, as Russell can play at the WCC level (which is above the WAC) and would be a starter with the Cougars.