With the college basketball season winding down, attention quickly shifts to the transfer portal, especially for those teams out of the NCAA tournament. Every year, some of the sport’s top talent explore new opportunities, especially with the newer rules of the portal and NIL.
This cycle should be unlike the last few, maybe even more chaotic. One of the most intriguing names to watch is Virginia Tech guard Neoklis Avdalas. Ranked by On3 Sports as the No. 4 overall transfer and the top combo guard available, Avdalas brings a nice blend of versatility to his game, size to play multiple positions, and playmaking ability that will attract major programs across the country.
Here are four potential landing spots that make sense for the highly coveted guard.
Where Will Neoklis Avdalas Transfer? 4 Potential Landing Spots
St. John’s Red Storm
Few coaches have truly embraced the transfer portal for what it is, quite like Rick Pitino at St. John’s. Over the past two seasons, Pitino has aggressively rebuilt his roster, and with key contributors exhausting eligibility, the Red Storm won’t see any reason not to navigate the portal as before.
Neoklis Avdalas would be a perfect addition, fitting in like a glove for Pitino to run his style of play. His ranking as one of the top players in the portal makes him exactly the type of impact guard Pitino targets, and with their previous run in the tournament, they’ll attract all the big fish on the market.
In a fast-paced, guard-driven system, Avdalas could step in immediately and play a major role while continuing to develop under one of college basketball’s most respected coaches.
Memphis Tigers
The Memphis Tigers, led by head coach Penny Hardaway, remain an intriguing destination. Hardaway, a former NBA star guard, knows the ins and outs of playing the position at a high level; he just needs the right players in his system.
With Memphis looking to retool and elevate its guard play after a somewhat disappointing year, Avdalas could thrive under Hardaway’s guidance to unlock his potential. His ability to handle the ball, create offense, and play multiple guard spots fits perfectly with what Memphis typically values and is looking for to get the ship back on the right track toward contention.
More importantly, Hardaway’s experience could help Avdalas refine his game and take the next step toward becoming an elite player.
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Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks are always in the mix for elite talent, and these stars could line up well in this scenario. With star guard Darryn Peterson likely headed to the NBA as a potential top-three pick, Kansas may have a significant opening in the backcourt that becomes a glaring need if it wants to return to being the typical blue blood it’s known for.
Head coach Bill Self is widely regarded as one of the best talent developers in the country. For Avdalas, this would present a major opportunity to elevate his game, improve key areas, and prepare for the next level like coach Self has done with many of his players before. Kansas offers both high-level competition and national exposure, two things that could significantly boost his trajectory.
Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State, under legendary head coach Tom Izzo, traditionally doesn’t rely heavily on the transfer portal. Fit and culture are critical in East Lansing, and not every player is a good fit for the Spartans’ system.
Izzo never changes for anyone; players have to adjust to him, or it just won’t work. That’s the beauty of the coach: Every player is brought in because he has that mindset of improving and playing team basketball.
However, even with the expected return of lead guard Jeremy Fears, there is always room to add depth in the backcourt. Avdalas’s versatility and basketball IQ could make him a strong fit. Learning under Izzo while stepping into a meaningful role could help him grow both as a player and a leader.
