Jamir Watkins transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for Florida State standout ft. Louisville
Florida State wing forward Jamir Watkins is back in the transfer portal and looking for a new destination to finish his college career. His portal situation is complicated by the possibility of entering the NBA draft. Last year, Watkins also considered transferring and declaring for the draft before ultimately returning to Florida State.
Watkins averaged 18.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Seminoles last season. The 6-foot-7 forward shot 32% from 3-point range and carried a significant portion of the offensive load for Leonard Hamilton’s struggling team. With Hamilton now retired and Florida State facing a rebuild, the timing could be right for Watkins to move on.
Watkins has declared for the draft and entered the transfer portal, giving him the flexibility to return to college if he withdraws from draft consideration. With his pro future uncertain, many schools may adopt a wait-and-see approach. But if Watkins returns to the college game, here are five potential landing spots.
Top 5 portal possibilities for Jamir Watkins
5. North Carolina
Hubert Davis finds himself scrambling after a difficult 2024-25 season and a roster that was already light on forwards. Carolina has lost RJ Davis, and Ian Jackson has entered the transfer portal.
UNC will need scoring and likely some veteran leadership, both of which Watkins could provide. As a three-level scorer with two years of ACC experience, Watkins would fit in well with the Tar Heels.
4. Duke
The Blue Devils are a bit of a long shot, but Jon Scheyer will likely keep an eye on Watkins' situation. Duke stands to lose several players to the NBA, and given the emphasis on developing pro talent, an annual roster rebuild will be part of Scheyer’s plan.
Duke has generally avoided the transfer portal, but Watkins’ level of talent and experience is not easily found elsewhere.
3. Kentucky
The Wildcats are filling their roster and might not wait for Watkins' NBA decision. However, Mark Pope is building a transfer-heavy veteran team, and the chance to add a veteran star like Watkins could prove irresistible. Watkins could fit well with the rest of the Wildcats' talented transfer class.
2. Illinois
Brad Underwood's team has been hit hard by NBA departures and transfer portal moves. Kasparas Jukucionis is heading for the NBA, and Will Riley is apparently headed elsewhere.
Underwood is expected to have a talented team, but one that may lack players like Watkins, who bring both talent and experience. Watkins is a likely possibility for Illinois.
1. Louisville
Louisville, one of the most active transfer portal teams, is keeping an eye on Watkins as Pat Kelsey continues a massive rebuilding effort.
Kelsey had an opportunity to see Watkins firsthand in the ACC and can offer immediate playing time and a more balanced squad that would allow Watkins to feel out a suitable role. Watkins might well end up as a Cardinal.
What's your take on Jamir Watkins? Share your thoughts on the FSU star and his ultimate destination below in our comments section!