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In the week since Indiana fired coach Archie Miller, the program has seen two players enter their names into the NCAA’s transfer portal.
According to multiple published reports, the latest is sophomore guard Armaan Franklin. The Indianapolis Cathedral product enjoyed a breakout 2020-21 season, emerging as IU’s second-best player on a team led by All-American Trayce Jackson-Davis. He started 20 of the 22 games in which he appeared, averaging 11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting a team-best 42% from 3-point range.
Franklin, who joins Al Durham in the portal, did it all while battling foot/lower leg injuries throughout Big Ten play. IU won only one of the five games Franklin missed this past season.
Tuesday’s news doesn’t necessarily mean Franklin is gone. Entering the portal simply allows the guard to weigh what his options outside of Bloomington might be. In Franklin’s case, with the uncertainty of IU’s ongoing coaching search, it’s a step worth taking — especially considering the likelihood that the NCAA approves one-time transfers with immediate eligibility.
So, in other words, stay tuned.
Armaan Franklin's mother, India, on his decision to enter the portal:
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 23, 2021
"It’s the uncertainty, and just keeping your options open, really. It’s not that he’s definitely leaving IU. It’s more that you’ve got to cover all your bases."
More coming. #iubb