In the past couple of weeks, there have reportedly been dozens of players using the legal system to try and get a 5th year of eligibility in college basketball. Among the most notable of players is Keyshawn Hall, who played at a different program each year but was a leading scorer at three of them.
Last year, Hall led the Auburn Tigers with 19.3 ppg and 7.1 rpg, shooting 38% from three-point range. The 6’7 forward had a trio of 30+ point games, including back-to-back 32-point outings against Texas A&M and Arkansas. Assuming he’s able to get another year, look for Hall to be one of the top free agents for teams to try to get.
Source: Keyshawn Hall — who played last season at Auburn — is attempting to return for a fifth year and receiving interest from the following programs.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 2, 2026
Kentucky
St. John’s
Indiana
Kansas
Gonzaga
SMU
LSU
Providence
UCF
Among those reportedly in the mix, which of them stands out as the best potential fit? Here’s a look at the top five programs that would make sense.
1. St. John’s Red Storm
The Red Storm thought it had its leading scorer when they landed Donnie Freeman from Syracuse. However, he’s out for the next season after a torn ACL. With Dillon Mitchell signing with the Boston Celtics, St. John’s could focus its attention on Hall to pair with Tounde Yessoufou to be one of the best offensive duos in the Big East next season.Â
2. LSU Tigers
LSU will be in the mix for many quality transfers, given that they have only four players on their current roster. Regardless of who else they would add, Hall would likely be the focal point of the offense and someone new head coach Will Wade would be comfortable making the go-to man for the Tigers.Â
3. SMU Mustangs
All five double-digit scorers are gone from last season. On paper, only Tulane transfer Rowan Brumbaugh (19.2 ppg) is a clear lead scorer on the roster, barring a breakout campaign from sophomore forward Jaden Toombs. SMU has been a quality scoring unit under Coach Andy Enfield, and Hall can easily come in and play a major role in the offense, putting up big stats for an NCAA Tournament contender.Â
4. Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats are reportedly after one key frontcourt player to round out the roster. Hall, a proven high-level scorer in the SEC, makes plenty of sense. He and Iowa State transfer forward Milan Momcilovic would be interchangeable in the frontcourt, and Hall’s ability to create for himself and others would benefit all of the Wildcats.Â
5. UCF KnightsÂ
Could Hall return to UCF? That’s what former teammate Dior Johnson did this past offseason after scoring over 24 ppg this past season at Tarleton State. Hall is familiar with the program and system and would be their best player again, having the chance to solidify his legacy with the Knights.
