8/3/2023 basketball Edit

South Florida center Malique Ewin goes portaling

Russ Wood • BullsInsider

Managing Editor

TAMPA, Fla., (Aug. 3, 2023) – South Florida sophomore center Malique Ewin was not with the Bulls for very long. Ewin, who committed to USF on June 5, re-entered the NCAA transfer portal Thursday morning.

He is a former consensus four-star recruit and was the No. 16 ranked center and the No. 103 overall prospect in the class of 2022.

South Florida, USF, Bulls — Dec 10, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels forward Malique Ewin (12) dunks during the second half against the Valparaiso Beacons at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)

The 6-foot-10, 220-pound Ewin transferred to USF from Ole Miss where he appeared in 14 games averaging 1.4 points and 1.1 rebounds during his freshman season. Ewin posted a career-high 10 points, going 4-4 from the field with five rebounds and five blocks on Dec. 14 against UCF.

Ewin has not played since Jan. 10 due to an investigation into on-campus “one-car motor vehicle incident that occurred Jan. 13 involving a student that resulted in the death of a visitor to campus,” per a University of Mississippi statement.

RUSS’ REACTION

Obviously the timing sucks but it is what it is. Adding a player this late is not impossible for it is unlikely unless head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim and his coaching staff anticipated Ewin’s departure and already have a strong connection with another big man that is ready to commit. If that isn’t the case, USF will enter the season with 7-foot, 238-pound freshman Daniel Tobiloba and 6-foot-9, 240-pound JuCo transfer David Ogunleye at center.