Only a couple weeks after a tough first-round upset, Virginia basketball has been dealt a further blow. Three Wahoos have made the decision to enter the NCAA’s transfer portal, adding their names to a growing list of over 1,000 men’s basketball players.
While technically still possible for them to return, odds are we have seen the last of Casey Morsell, Jabri Abdur-Rahim, and Justin McKoy in Virginia uniforms. All three received less playing time this season than they likely expected, and that factor was presumably the biggest in the eventual decision to leave Charlottesville.
With these transfers come worries about next year’s team. Let’s discuss some of the immediate effects of these outgoing transfers.
What the Hoos lose
All three members of the departing trio possess potential. But that potential remains unharnessed, hence the limited playing time.
Morsell showed more flashes than his fellow transfers, putting on multiple breakout performances during his two-year stint in C’Ville. He had a number of solid outings throughout the season, yet only reached double figures scoring in one. Morsell had strength and speed, but could not find consistency in his finishing or shot-making.
It was a different story for McKoy, who barely played his first year and only played significant minutes towards the end of his second. McKoy continually erred on the defensive side of the ball, and couldn’t replicate the solid shooting of his high school career. But he brought physicality and effort every time he stepped on the floor, and that drive will serve him well in the future. He should turn into a very solid college basketball player and is certainly a loss for the Hoos.
As for Abdur-Rahim, it’s tough to say what he could have brought to the team. He played a mere 37 minutes across just eight appearances, not nearly a large enough sample size to make a judgement. In spite of a high ranking coming out of high school, Tony Bennett saw Abdur Rahim in practice and clearly felt that Beekman was more worthy of minutes… lots and lots of minutes. That’s a better indication of Abdur Rahim’s readiness than his high school ranking and genes (his dad was a terrific NBA player).
Overall, the Hoos really don’t lose much for next year. Morsell was always going to be playing second fiddle to Kihei Clark and Reece Beekman in the backcourt, while McKoy and Abdur-Rahim clearly had a ways to go in their development. It is disappointing to see these guys go, but it might present an opportunity to nab some more refined players in the offseason.
Why this could be a good thing
All things considered, this might be a blessing in disguise. As has been previously mentioned, there are over 1,000 names floating around the transfer portal. There are now five scholarship vacancies for the upcoming season, and it stands to reason that Bennett will be able to fill at least a few.
It should also be taken into account that two very important recruits remain undecided. Trevor Keels is down to a final four of Duke, Kentucky, Villanova, and Virginia, and will announce which blue blood he’s joining at some point in April. Keels is a five-star, 6-5 shooting guard that would be a big pickup, though Duke appears to be the frontrunner.
But as huge as a commitment from Keels would be, Efton Reid is perhaps the more important target. Reid is a 7-1 center that has been very closemouthed throughout the recruiting process. It’s tough to say where he will land, but with Jay Huff almost definitely off to the NBA, a replacement seven-footer would be a welcome addition.
We’re still waiting on those decisions, but with these transfers Bennett is free to pursue any players he’d like without worrying about scholarship limitations. It’s worthless to speculate about which players Bennett might go after within the vast expanse that is the transfer portal, but there are countless that could excel in the UVA system.
Now it becomes about convincing a couple to move to Virginia.
Image – Virginia Athletics
1 comment
I hope Casey and Justin come back , go hoos
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