Jamir Watkins announces plans to withdraw from NCAA transfer portal, return to Florida State

Jamir Watkins is set to return to Florida State for the 2024-25 season, he announced via social media. He is the top available player in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

Watkins’ name showed up in the portal with a “do not contact” tag shortly after the transfer window closed, On3’s Pete Nakos reported, and he kept all options open as he went through the pre-draft process.

The former VCU star also set a visit with Michigan, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, but kept a return to Tallahassee in the cards. Watkins also listed St. John’s, Oregon, Kansas State and Cincinnati in his top schools as he stayed in the portal after withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft ahead of the deadline.

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To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

Watkins starred for Florida State this past season, averaging a career-high 15.8 points to go with 2.8 assists to lead the Seminoles. He initially declared for the draft, but entered the portal last month as he weighed his options. After heading back to college, he became the No. 6 overall player and the best player available in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

Jamir Watkins hoping to repeat success in 2024-25

Watkins started his career at VCU and spent three seasons with the Rams. He missed the 2021-22 campaign due to a knee injury, but bounced back to average 9.5 points as a redshirt sophomore before transferring to Florida State last season.

In addition to his 15.6 points, Watkins also averaged 6.0 rebounds and shot 45.7% from the field. His’ best game of the season came against Virginia Tech in the second round of the ACC Tournament. The 6-foot-7 forward scored a career-high 34 points while tallying 11 rebounds and four steals.

For his efforts, Watkins was named an All-ACC Honorable Mention by the ACC Coaches and a Blue Ribbon media panel.

The Seminoles saw plenty of roster turnover after a 17-16 overall record this past season, including a 10-10 mark in ACC play. All told, eight players entered the portal, including Watkins and Baba Miller, who also withdrew from the NBA Draft and committed to Florida Atlantic.

Florida State notably has three players coming in, though. That group includes former Hampton forward Jerry Deng, who averaged 10.1 points and 4.2 rebounds this past season before entering the portal and making his way to Tallahassee.