This week, Florida State center Malique Ewin named his final five schools he could transfer to for the 2025-2026 season. The 6’11” center enjoyed a breakout junior season with the Seminoles in which Ewin averaged 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
Five Transfer Portal Landing Spots for Malique Ewin
Florida State center Malique Ewin entered the transfer portal on April 1 and has since narrowed his focus to a trio of SEC schools and one program from both the ACC and Big 12.
NEWS: Florida State transfer big man Malique Ewin is focusing on five schools, source told @On3sports:
Auburn, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Virginia
The 6-11 junior averaged 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this season. Shot nearly 60% from the field.… pic.twitter.com/U88x4j3pgw
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 10, 2025
With averages of 13.4 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and a 59.8% field goal percentage against teams ranked among the final AP 25 poll, it is no surprise his services are so highly sought after.
Auburn Tigers
Bruce Pearl’s squad is going to be in desperate need of reinforcements. With the departures of both all-american Johni Broome and fifth-year senior Dylan Cardwell, the Tigers need to replace close to 24 points and 16 rebounds per game. As it stands, redshirt junior Addarin Scott is the only returning player who looks to threaten for minutes at the center position.
While there may be no one capable of replacing the two-way domination that Johni Broome was known for, Ewin has proven he can play at the Power Five level and has had success against top-tier competition. Look no further than his 19 points on 9-10 shooting against 25th-ranked Louisville in late February.
Kansas Jayhawks
A week ago, the Jayhawks were preparing to lose the services of both All-American Hunter Dickerson and promising freshman Flory Bidunga. Now, with Bidunga set to return to Allen Fieldhouse and incoming six-foot-ten freshman Bryson Tiller joining the Jayhawks in 2025, Ewin could be icing on the frontcourt cake for Bill Self.
The only potential concern would be the offensive fit between Bidunga and Ewin. This past season, the pair combined for zero three-point attempts and struggled at the free-throw line. While their physicality and length could disrupt opposing teams, Bidunga’s return makes the Jayhawks seem like an odd fit.
Arkansas Razorbacks
After an up-and-down first year at the helm, John Calipari will now have to replace a large portion of his frontcourt production. Jonas Aidoo is out of eligibility, Zvonimir Ivisic has hit the portal and Adou Thiero is looking to the NBA. While Trevon Brazile is back, he seems to have reached his ceiling as a prospect.
Ewin would likely instantly start on a roster that is welcoming three freshmen guards and has yet to add any frontcourt support via high school prospects or the transfer portal.
Brazile and Ewin are both over six feet ten inches tall, and the former did flash some three-point shooting this last season, attempting two shots from deep a game and converting at a decent 36% clip.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Out of Ewin’s final five programs, none have had as much movement amongst their big men as the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. Breakout star KeShawn Murphy is in the portal alongside backup centers Michael Nwoko and Jeremy Foumena.
Yet, the Bulldogs have already replaced the trio with a pair of four-star freshmen and Wichita State’s Quincy Ballard.
Ballard was a force on the glass, with 10 double-doubles and an impressive 75% shooting percentage. Unfortunately, as has been the case with some of the aforementioned programs, Ballard and Ewin could present issues playing together.
Both players are non-factors from behind the arc. While they would be physically imposing in the paint, the spacing would be highly questionable.
Virginia Cavaliers
The final team in the running for Ewin’s services is arguably the one in most need of him. The Virginia Cavalier’s entire frontcourt has entered the portal with Elijah Saunders, Jacob Cofie, Blake Buchanan, and Anthony Robinson.
KEEP READING: Is the Transfer Portal a Blessing or a Curse for CBB Players?
Ewin should already be familiar with the Cavaliers given their status as a fellow ACC program. With ample opportunity, Ewin could help new coach Ryan Odom restore some glory to one of college basketball’s bigger, albeit struggling, brands.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
