Florida State has suffered its biggest loss of the offseason as sophomore forward Matthew Cleveland has entered the transfer portal, per his Twitter. Cleveland is coming off of a season where he averaged 13.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 1.8 APG while seeing improvements from 3 and the free throw line.
Some had expected him to possibly explore the NBA Draft waters, but many people I had talked to in the NBA circle didn't believe he would be drafted and that another year of college ball would benefit him; many were hoping it would still be in Tallahassee. Unfortunately for Florida State fans, Cleveland will be looking for a new destination where he'll likely be seeking a better chance to win.
Cleveland came into Florida State as a 5-star prospect from Alpharetta, Georgia as part of a heralded 2021 recruiting class that also included Jalen Warley and John Butler. It's safe to say this recruiting class did not live up to expectations, given that Butler only spent one season at FSU before turning pro and going undrafted, Warley has underwhelmed to this point in his career, and Cleveland is transferring. Nonetheless, Cleveland gave Florida State two huge moments in his career.
We wish Matthew Cleveland the best of luck at his next destination. This comes on the heels of Caleb Mills transferring to Memphis and as Florida State explores its own options in the portal.
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