FSU Men's Basketball: Seminoles Land forward Jerry Deng from Transfer Portal

The off-season continues to be a busy one for Florida State basketball. The transfer portal continues to grow and a few of the Seminoles’ former players have added their names to the list. Luckily, as Florida State has lost players to the portal, they’ve also gained a key piece from it as well. 

Leonard Hamilton’s team had a few visits from transfer players over the past few weeks. Some conversations went well while a few weren’t able to come to an agreement. Luckily, things went well with Hampton transfer forward Jerry Deng. After his great visit to Tallahassee, Deng decided to become a Seminole. 

Fans of the Big South Conference are familiar with Jerry Deng. Through the last few years, they have seen the growth in his game and he’s continued to be one of the standout talents at Hampton. What stands out in Jerry Deng’s game is his ability to play anywhere on the floor. As a 6’9 forward, Deng has great fluidity in his game. He can put the ball on the floor and create as well as become a spot-up shooter as well. 

In his only season with the Pirates, Deng averaged 10.1 points along with 4.2 rebounds on 46 percent shooting. His college career got off to a slow start but he never looked back once he found his rhythm. Deng delivered 16 double-digit performances as well as 16 games with 5+ rebounds. His highlight of the season was scoring a career-high 37 points in an early season win over Mary Baldwin. 

Florida State needed a player of Deng’s caliber. It’s almost similar to Baba Miller’s style of play but it never panned out for the sophomore in Tallahassee. However, the Seminoles have seemed to find Miller’s replacement. Deng seems to have built a good relationship with the coaching staff and his teammates from the moment he stepped on campus. 

Deng’s versatility will be great for Florida State. While playing next to elite guards like Jamir Watkins, Daquan Davis, and others, he’ll be able to work well with them with his ability to play in pick and roll and his outside shooting. More times than not, Deng will play in lineups where he’ll play off the ball. However, he can also put the defense on their heels by showing his ball handling and shot creation. 

Playing in the ACC will be a new challenge for Jerry Deng. He will be placed in matchups with other versatile players of his size and there won’t be an off-night. However, it will be great for his continued growth. Deng has an opportunity to prove himself in the ACC by continuing to show his skill set on both ends and taking matchups personally. Expect Deng to be a fan favorite for Florida State through the course of the 2024-25 season.