Florida State forward Baba Miller entered the transfer portal and the NBA draft process early in the offseason, expanding his options after two quiet seasons in Tallahassee with the ‘Noles.
After getting feedback from NBA scouts and analysts, Miller opted to remove his name from the draft process just hours before the deadline to do so – not exactly a surprise considering how few mock drafts were projecting him to get selected.
However, it was a surprise to see reports that Miller already committed to a new school, staying in state and transferring to Florida Atlantic to play in the AAC under first year head coach John Jakus.
The Owls lost their core three from the past two seasons – guards Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin and big man Vlad Goldin – who transferred to Arkansas, Florida, and Michigan, respectively. Goldin followed coach Dusty May to Ann Arbor, and after a month of trying to replace him in the frontcourt, Jakus finally has his guy in Miller.
Miller is not your traditional big man, coming in just over 200 pounds and playing more like a wing than a traditional center, but his incredible length and elite athleticism have long tantalized NBA scouts – and an increased role in the AAC could allow him to blossom into a star his junior season.
Miller is one of seven newcomers for coach Jakus as he attempts to rebuild the Owls after back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances – including a Final Four – under coach May the past two years.
Below is a look at those seven new players – six transfers and one incoming freshmen – including two out of the ACC and a trio of star mid-major guards:
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Eligibility: 2 years remaining
From: Florida State
Stats: 7.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 blocks, 55.3% on twos, 29.3% from 3 (2.5 3PA/G)
Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Eligibility: 1 year remaining
From: Jacksonville State (previously at Xavier)
Stats: 17.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 38.9% from 3 (6.8 3PA/G)
Syndication: Journal-Courier
Eligibility: 2 years remaining
From: Eastern Kentucky
Stats: 15.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 34.2% from 3 (3.6 3PA/G)
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Eligibility: 2 years remaining
From: Samford
Stats: 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.3 assists, 41.3% from 3 (3.0 3PA/G)
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Eligibility: 3 years remaining
From: Louisville
Stats: 3.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 52.1% on twos
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Eligibility: 3 years remaining
From: Illinois
Stats: 18 games, 5.9 minutes, 1.5 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists
Syndication: Palm Beach Post
Eligibility: 4 years remaining
Class Ranking: 188 (3-star)
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/baba-miller-florida-atlantic-nba-draft-transfer-portal/