Feb 12, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Malique Ewin (12) brings the ball up court against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Former FSU Basketball star transfers to Arkansas Razorbacks

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The transfer portal continues to churn in college basketball, as more than 2,000 players have entered the portal and are looking for a new destination. 10 players from Florida State's roster last year are among those looking for new homes, including star big man Malique Ewin.

Ewin was a big find for Leonard Hamilton and his staff last season, as the former top-ranked JUCO prospect came in and averaged 14.2 PPG and 7.6 RPG, leading the ACC in field goal percentage. He also showed off brilliant passing and ball-handling, possessing a rare skillset for a big man, which made him highly coveted in the transfer portal.

Malique Ewin has announced his pledge to transfer to John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks, joining a program coming off a run to the Sweet 16 in Calipari's first season there. They've got a few key players departing, such as Zvonimir Ivisic and Adou Thiero, so Ewin gives them a a presence down low who can step in right away and be successful.

This is the third Seminole who has found a new program, joining Taylor Bol Bowen, who is also going to the SEC but with Alabama, and Daquan Davis, who is going to Providence. Jamir Watkins (also testing the NBA), Chandler Jackson, Justin Thomas, Jerry Deng, Christian Nitu, Waka Mbatch, and Anastasios Rozakeas are still searching for the next stops in their careers.

Ewin is a former four-star recruit who initially signed with Ole Miss. He spent one season there before trying to transfer late to USF, then realized he wasn't going to be able to play and went the JUCO route. He refined his game at the JUCO level to jump to a successful stint at Florida State, but he'll need to improve his defense and his physicality for a jump to the SEC.

FSU has eight players confirmed so far for its roster: AJ Swinton, Alier Maluk, Robert McCray V, Kobe MaGee, LaJae Jones, Chauncey Wiggins, Alex Steen, and Thomas Bassong.