NC State transfer Isaiah Miranda still weighing NBA, transfer options listed

The May 31 withdrawal deadline date for the 2023 NBA Draft is creeping closer, which means the rest of the collegiate players who are still weighing their options must make a decision in the next 48 to 72 hours. Some are simply deciding whether to come back for another year at their school, but others are both testing the NBA Draft and Transfer Portal waters, such as former NC State forward Isaiah Miranda.

Miranda is an intriguing case at the college level. He has some remarkable physical traits for a big man and was the No. 40 player in the 2022 On3 Industry Rankings, but opted to redshirt as a freshman last season with the Wolfpack. Then, without ever touching the floor for NC State, he put his name in the NBA Draft pool and in the portal to explore all his options.

As of now, there’s no final decision from Miranda on whether he’ll even come back, but college hoops insider Jeff Goodman does have a list of programs would have their hat in the ring in he does ultimately return and pick a new home:

“Isaiah Miranda still debating whether to remain in NBA Draft. If he does withdraw, sources say that he will strongly consider UCF, Oklahoma State, Villanova, Georgetown and Florida State,” wrote Goodman. “Has one final NBA workout set for Wednesday prior to college withdrawal deadline.”

This one is coming down to the wire apparently with Miranda still scheduled to workout for a team on the day of the deadline. But, if he does come back, those are some interesting options for the No. 4 power forward remaining in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.

Evaluating Miranda’s options

Georgetown could absolutely use a true big man presence in year one with Ed Cooley and are missing a true center on the roster at the moment. Villanova just landed Lance Ware from Kentucky and have Eric Dixon to start already, but Miranda would only bolster their depth. UCF simply isn’t fit to compete in the Big 12 right now but landing a talent like Miranda for the future would definitely help.

Elsewhere, Florida State makes sense since they’ve tended to excel with developing gargantuan forwards. As does Oklahoma State, who took a titanic loss when three-year starter and defensive anchor Moussa Cisse left for Ole Miss. Miranda is in no way a replacement for what Cisse provided, but at least he’s a body for an OSU front-court that desperately needs reinforcements.

A lot of solid power conference options for Miranda and not teams near the top of their leagues for the most part. The 7-foot-1 rookie appears to be looking for a bigger role and some guaranteed playing time at his next stop.