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7-Foot-4 Big Man Enters College Basketball Transfer Portal on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 12:58 PM ET

Syracuse's frontcourt depth was tested throughout the 2024-25 season, especially following the loss of 7-foot-4 center Naheem McLeod midway through the year.

After playing 18 games to start the season, the Orange announced that McLeod would miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury that would require surgery.

In 32 appearances with Syracuse, McLeod averaged 2.4 points on an efficient 82.6% shooting, 1.8 rebounds and 0.4 blocks in just over six minutes per game.

On Monday, McLeod officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, per Sam Kayser.

The news comes just one day before the end of the spring transfer window.

NEWS: Syracuse big man Naheem McLeod is entering the transfer portal, he told @LeagueRDY.

McLeod is a 7-foot-4 big man who began his career playing two seasons at Florida State before playing the last two at Syracuse.

For his career, he’s averaged 3.7PPG, 2.6RPG and 1.0BPG. pic.twitter.com/8LdLeXri8A
— Sam Kayser (@247HSHoops) April 21, 2025

McLeod’s path to Syracuse began at Plymouth‑Whitemarsh High School in Pennsylvania, where he graduated as a four‑star recruit.

Rather than enrolling at a Power Five program immediately, he spent two developmental years at Chipola College (2019–21), posting 5.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Florida State was McLeod’s first Division I stop, where from 2021–23, he appeared in 46 games and swatted 40 shots.

He then transferred to Syracuse in 2023 and carved out a situational defensive role under head coach Adrian Autry.

McLeod’s size and shot‑blocking instincts make him an attractive target for programs in need of interior insurance.

Power Five contenders looking to bolster their rim protection and mid‑majors seeking an immediate defensive upgrade are both expected to pursue his services.

As coaches assemble their lines for June’s recruiting dead period, McLeod’s six‑season experience at three schools and his high‑efficiency paint production loom as key selling points.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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