Basketball players who stand 7-foot-4 don’t just grow on trees. They are the unicorns of the hardwood. So, when the news broke that Naheem McLeod officially entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 21, 2025, the college hoops world took a collective gasp.
Honestly, it's been a bumpy road for the big man. You've got this literal giant who can change the geometry of a defense just by standing in the paint, yet he's spent more time in the training room than on the court lately. After two seasons at Florida State and another two-year stint at Syracuse that was basically defined by "what ifs," McLeod is looking for one last chance to prove he’s more than just a tall frame.
The Syracuse Rollercoaster: From Starter to the Portal
When McLeod first arrived at Syracuse in 2023, the hype was real. Coach Adrian Autry was moving away from the legendary Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 zone, and he needed a rim protector who could anchor a more aggressive man-to-man look. McLeod was supposed to be that guy.
It started okay. He was the starting center for the first 14 games of the 2023-24 season. He was swatting shots at a ridiculous clip—averaging nearly 2 blocks per game in limited minutes. But then, the injury bug bit. Hard.
A foot injury in January 2024 required surgery, ending his season right as the ACC schedule was heating up. He tried to come back for the 2024-25 season, but things never really clicked. He played in 18 games, but his role shrank to about 6 minutes an outing. Basically, he was a situational sub. When you’re 7-foot-4 and only grabbing 1.8 rebounds a game, something isn't aligning.
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Whether it was the lingering effects of the surgery or just a bad fit in Autry’s system, the writing was on the wall. By the time the spring 2025 portal window opened, everyone sort of knew he needed a fresh start.
Why Teams Are Still Chasing the Height
You might look at his career average of 3.7 points and think, "Why is this news?"
Well, in the world of the NCAA transfer portal, "potential" is a drug that coaches can't quit. You can teach a kid to shoot a free throw. You can't teach him to be 7-foot-4 with a wingspan that reaches across state lines.
Look at the efficiency. During his final year at Syracuse, McLeod shot a staggering 82.6% from the field. He isn't out there taking jumpers; he’s dunking everything he touches. For a team that lacks a vertical threat or a "lob threat," he is a massive asset.
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The Gonzaga Connection
One name that keeps popping up in the rumor mill is Gonzaga. Why? Because the Zags have a history with him. Assistant coach R-Jay Barsh was on the staff at Florida State when McLeod was there. They have a relationship. Mark Few also loves a project big man—think Przemek Karnowski or Tommy Lloyd’s work with international giants. If anyone can turn a situational shot-blocker into a focal point, it’s the staff in Spokane.
The Reality of Being a "Portal Regular"
Let’s be real for a second. This is McLeod's third time navigating the transfer world. He went from Chipola College (JUCO) to Florida State, then to Syracuse, and now... somewhere else.
There's a narrative that "portal hoppers" are just looking for NIL money or easier minutes. With McLeod, it feels more like a desperate search for health and a system that actually uses his size. He’s a "Big Duke" (his nickname since high school) who just wants to play.
The Hurdles:
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- The Medical File: Any team taking him has to be okay with that foot. Foot injuries on men that size are notoriously tricky.
- Conditioning: He’s never been a 30-minute-a-game guy. He's a burst player.
- Offensive Polish: Beyond dunks and put-backs, his post game is still a work in progress.
What to Expect Next
The spring transfer window moves fast. Since he entered on the penultimate day of the window, he’s likely already been in contact with several high-major programs.
If you're a fan of a team that keeps getting beat on the boards or giving up easy layups, you're probably dreaming of seeing McLeod in your jersey. He’s the ultimate "low risk, high reward" play for a contender. If he gives you 10 minutes of elite rim protection, he’s worth the scholarship. If he finally stays healthy? He’s a game-changer.
Actionable Insights for Following the Portal
Keep an eye on social media "visits." For players like McLeod, the decision usually comes down to the strength of the medical staff and the relationship with the big-man coach. If he pops up on a visit to a school with a proven track record of developing centers (like Gonzaga, Purdue, or even a return to a physical conference like the Big Ten), that's where the smart money is.
Keep your notifications on. In the portal era, a 7-foot-4 center doesn't stay "available" for long.