Miami transfer Christian Watson commits to Southern Miss

Miami transfer wing Christian Watson has committed to Southern Miss, per On3’s Pete Nakos. ESPN’s Jeff Borzello was the first to report the news. On3 reported on March 17 that Watson was planning to enter the transfer portal.

A 6-foot-7 sophomore from Lanham, Maryland, Watson averaged 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game this season for the ‘Canes. Watson had 14 points and four rebounds in a late December game against North Florida.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Watson is a former three-star recruit and was the No. 171 overall player in the nation from the 2022 cycle. The On3 Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Miami in the transfer portal

Following a disappointing season this past year, Miami has recently seen its roster take some notable hits due to the transfer portal. Guard Wooga Poplar and forward Norchad Omier both entered their name into the transfer portal this past week.

In all, nine Hurricanes from this past year’s roster have entered their names into the transfer portal this cycle. Omier was the leading scorer for Miami this past season, averaging 17 points per game.

“There are so many voices in their ears with opinions,” Miami head coach Jim Larranaga said in March. “You have so many factors that determine a kid’s mindset. It’s a very popular thing to put your name in the transfer portal. Half the players in college basketball are looking for a new destination. Does that make any sense to anybody? It doesn’t to me.”

On3’s Joe Tipton contributed to this report