The Florida Gators basketball program will host one of the top transfer targets this weekend on campus. Egor Koulechov, a 6’5 210-lb transfer from Rice, possesses a skill set that would improve any program in the country. This veteran player will provide sharp shooting and rebounding from day one.
Koulechov began his career at Arizona State during the 13-14 season. He saw action in 27 games, while starting in 7 of them. Koulechov averaged 3.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and shot the ball 11-33 from behind the arc. The potential of the player that Koulechov could grow into was shown in his freshman season.
The 14-15 season brought about some changes for Koulechov as he decided to transfer to Rice. Due to the NCAA transfer rules he had to sit out that season. He spent that season working on his game and learning the Rice system.
After sitting out for an entire season, Koulechov had a breakout 15-16 season. He started in all 32 games averaging 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds. His stats placed him as the sixth leading scorer and the tenth leading rebounder in Conference USA.
The momentum of his sophomore year carried into his junior year. Koulechov started in all 35 games averaging 18.6 points and 8.9 rebounds. He consistently shot the deep ball at a high level all season, with a percentage of .474 which led the league and set a school record. His impressive season brought him to first team Conference USA honors.
Florida has had success with bringing in instant impact transfers, with Canyon Barry being the most recent example. Barry came in last season and gave the Gators a threat off of the bench, which led to him earning the award of SEC sixth man of the year. Koulechov could come in and bring the same type of production that we saw from Barry. Both shoot the ball at a high rate and rebound very well at their position.
The Gators roster currently is full for next season, but that could change with the decisions of Devin Robinson and John Egbunu. Both Robinson and Egbunu are testing the NBA waters, but have not signed with an agent. One of these guys leaving for the draft or another roster move would make room for Koulechov or another transfer target.
Koulechov would be a great pickup to bring to this talented roster. His ability to shoot the ball and crash the boards would big for the Gators. He visited Oklahoma last week and is set to visit Iowa State next weekend.