NCAA Three-point Leader Enters Transfer Portal

Many big shooters have already entered the portal. Donovan Dent, arguably the portal’s most dynamic player, and Isaac McKneely, the Virginia sharpshooter, entered earlier in the week. However, neither meet the numbers of the NCAA’s three-point leader. Abdi Bashir Jr. entered the transfer portal on Friday. While he only played in the CAA for Monmouth, his shooting ability lifted to Hawks. So, who is Bashir Jr., and what does he bring to the table? What are his strengths and weaknesses? Will big programs want him?

NCAA Three-point Leader Abdi Bashir Jr. Enters Transfer Portal

Bashir Jr.’s Strengths

The most obvious strength is three-point shooting, as he led the NCAA in threes made this season with 127. He averaged 20.1 points per game, so he can put the ball in the basket in other ways besides the three-point shot. Bashir Jr. didn’t have much help, but he managed to score 38 points in a loss to Rutgers earlier this season. When he gets hot, he is hot and can score with the best of them. Some may argue that he only scored that many points because he was on a team that finished 13-20. However, only prolific scorers can average over 20 points per game. Oftentimes, the best teams don’t have a scorer who averages as many points because of blowouts and elite supporting casts. Bashir Jr. will immediately be one of the transfer portal elite scorers.

Weaknesses

Despite his gaudy scoring numbers, he was not efficient from the field. He shot 38.3% from three, which is elite, but he also only shot 37.7% from the field. This could be because he is the only major scoring threat on the team, so he gets more attention. The more pessimistic option is he doesn’t make wise decisions involving shot-taking. He also averaged more turnovers (2.8) per game than assists (2.2). This also could be explained by his supporting cast, but it still stands out. Elite players can get other players easy buckets, even when they’re not necessarily the most skilled players. Abdi Bashir Jr. may have elite scoring, but his transfer prospects may be reduced because of the negative decision-making.

Will Teams Want Abdi Bashir Jr as a Transfer?

The short answer is yes. He is a prolific scorer who can get his own shot at any point in the game. Those problems could easily resolve themselves if he proves to his next destination that he can make smarter plays with better players around him. He likely won’t average 20 points per game on a better team. However, I don’t see major programs taking a chance on him despite this elite scoring. Teams want experienced guards who make smart decisions and winning plays. Bashir Jr. doesn’t jump off the page with either of those.

He has never played in the NCAA Tournament or on a successful team. His turnover ratio is too high, and his field goal percentage is too low. While his game could translate well, teams like North Carolina and St. John’s, who desperately need shooting and scoring from guards, likely won’t risk the negatives. They would rather play it safe with a player like Isaac McKneely than take the high-risk, high-reward option. Their goals are winning championships. The risky move could pay off, or have negative consequences. North Carolina especially can’t afford another down year. Bashir Jr. will get power conference offers but expect them to be from a middle-tier team in those conferences rather than a contender.