Redshirt sophomore forward Jakai Robinson became the fifth Miami basketball player to enter the transfer portal, reported by Kaiden Smith of On3 on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters on Monday, head coach Jim Larranaga told reporters five Miami players told him of their plans to transfer.
Sophomores A.J. Casey and Christian Watson on Sunday and freshman Michael Nwoko and junior Bensley Joseph on Monday previously had their transfers reported from Miami. Joseph has been the only significant contributor throughout his Miami career. Miami has six scholarship players remaining on the 2024-25 roster.
Robinson averaged 0.9 points per game, 0.9 rebounds and 0.3 assists while shooting 38.1 percent from the floor and 16.7 percent on three-point attempts during his Miami career. Robinson redshirted as a true freshman in 2021-22, played in seven games as a redshirt freshman in 2022-23 and 17 games as a redshirt sophomore this season.
As a four-star signee in the 2021 class, Robinson was ranked the 83rd-best prospect, 15th-best small forward and 13th player in Maryland out of Rock Creek Christian Academy in Upper Marlboro. Robinson was the highest-rated signee in the 2021 Miami class with Joseph and Wooga Poplar.
Miami sophomore wing Jakai Robinson has entered the portal. He had 17 points in 17 games played this season. Robinson was ranked No. 98 in the class of 2021 by @Rivals.https://t.co/w3Uh00nWva
— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) March 20, 2024
Junior forward Matthew Cleveland, freshman guards Paul Djobet and Kyshawn George, fourth-year juniors, forward Norchad Omier and Nijel Pack and junior Poplar are the only players currently on the 2024–25 Miami roster. Not all six of those players are expected to return.
George is a borderline projected first-round NBA Draft Pick. Poplar is also projected on some NBA Draft boards. Cleveland, Omier and Pack all have decisions about their futures. Cleveland and Pack could enter the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. Omier seems likely to return to Miami or turn professional.
Miami signed the 12th-best 2024 class. Five-guard Jahlil Bethea, the seventh-best prospect, third shooting guard and third-best player in Pennsylvania out of Warminster Archbishop Wood highlights the Miami class. Bethea is projected to be a starter for Miami. Miami also signed guard Austin Swartz and forward Isaiah Johnson-Arigu.
Depending on who returns to Miami and potential transfer additions, Swartz could also start next season. Swartz being a starter will largely be impacted by the decisions of George, Pack and Poplar. Jim Larranaga and his staff face a critical offseason. Miami had a corps of players that were set for the last three seasons.