My Outtake on the Bawinkel Transfer

According to Midstatehoops.com Devan Bawinkel, a former Illinois first team all-stater, will be transferring from West Virginia.

Bawinkel played sparingly at UWV and his playing time didn’t seem as if it would increase any under new head coach Bob Huggins.

So far, Devan is considering Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Illinois-Chicago, and Richmond but he is still wide open.

Personally, I’d like to see Coach Jankovich and the Redbirds go after Devan. He’s a 6’5” 185 perimeter oriented player that can fill all three perimeter positions. He can handle the ball at the point, shoot it from the two, and has the size of a mid major 3-man. Also, in the new uptempo system Bawinkel would excel as he’s proven he’s best in a fast-paced style of play. He was the starting 2-man for the Illinois Wolves who also started Will Walker (DePaul), Will Veasley (Butler), Don Lawson (Western Michigan), and Eric Wormley, who were all high level athletes and played at a fast pace.

I think Devan would be an excellent get for ISU as he already has experience at the Division I level and will have three years of elgibility remaining (if he doesn’t opt for juco). Plus, the kid's got Illinois roots and was a 3 or 4 time all-state performer. The only problem is, getting Bawinkel would conflict with Tyler Storm as they would somewhat fill the same role. With Robinson already in fold and a likely commitment from a Chicagoarea HS or a JC point guard, a big wing and a center are of most necessity for the Redbirds. Two big wings wouldn’t really benefit the team much as they are lacking interior presence.

I’d urge both Jankovich and Bawinkel to consider this option as it would greatly benefit both parties.