It seems as though the exit door has been the only one getting a workout for Tulane basketball this offseason. After several notable departures that includes junior Dylan Osetkowski, one can only imagine it was music to coach Mike Dunleavy’s ears to learn that his program actually landed a transfer.
While Vanderbilt says goodbye to sophomore Samir Sehic, the Green Wave say hello. Sehic announced via Twitter earlier this month that he intended to transfer from Vanderbilt and will head to New Orleans. Possible reasons of Sehic’s decision to transfer come from the departure of long-time coach at Vanderbilt Kevin Stallings. Whatever the reason though, this benefits the Wave and is one of what Tulane fans hope to be many acquisitions for their basketball team.
Just how big is this pickup though? Sehic (6-foot-9, 250 pounds) played in 22 games last year as a freshman and, in those games, he averaged over one rebound, one point, and went 7 of 21. He was 50 percent (3-of-6) on his three point attempts.
Those numbers are all low yes, however it is important to keep in mind that Sehic only being a freshman had limited play in 2015-16. Tulane fans shouldn’t just look at his last years numbers but look at how sought after he was leaving high school. Before entering college, Sehic was ranked as the 17th best center in the nation by 247 Sports and was seen as the No. 161 recruit overall.
Sehic had offers from schools including, but not limited to, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Texas Tech, and Stanford. The kid was highly sought after; there’s no question there. Dunleavy and the Green Wave have picked up a potential star in Sehic.
While this is exciting for Tulane, it must be noted that Sehic will have to sit out the 2016-17 season because of NCAA transfer rules. That being said, when he returns he will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Sehic can help Tulane in an array of areas once he returns to the court. His rebounding, for instance, is something to keep an eye on. If he can build on his 31-rebound season (again, limited play) he had a year ago, that can bolster a Tulane team that has had trouble on the glass recently. Also, his freshman season with Vandy took him on a trip to the NCAA Tournament, so the young Sehic already has some postseason experience.
This is a big, solid move for Dunleavy and company. No one should be surprised that, in the years to come, if Sehic hangs around he becomes a star in New Orleans. The even more exciting prospect; if Tulane can pair the skills of an up-and-comer like Sehic with other big acquisitions then the sky in New Orleans could be the only limit for the Green Wave in the coming years.
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