After a disappointing season compared to Furman’s high standards, the Paladins added multiple transfers from the portal, hoping to compete for a 2024-2025 Southern Conference title. In the past, the program has seemingly been immune to the transfer portal. Key players like Mike Bothwell and Jalen Slawson decided to stay even though they could have gone elsewhere. This offseason is the first time the Paladins have extensively used the portal. Furman lost 70% of its team scoring as star point guard J.P. Pegues, Alex Williams, Marcus Foster, and Carter Whitt entered the portal hoping to move elsewhere—some for better NIL and exposure opportunities and others for more playing time.
Many of Furman's Southern Conference counterparts are diving deep into the transfer portal. Chattanooga, Western Carolina, ETSU, and Samford have been known to hit the portal hard to rebuild their teams every year. Furman, in an effort to keep up with the Joneses, has dipped into the portal. Four transfer spots have been filled with players with different skillsets and backgrounds.
Nick Anderson - Guard - 6’3, 165 lbs.
Anderson was the first player to commit to the Paladins this offseason. He joins Furman after playing 4 years at Barry University in Florida. A native of Schererville, Indiana, Anderson was originally recruited by the Paladins out of high school before deciding to play at the D2 level. In his career at Barry, Anderson averaged 17 points per game while shooting 43% from deep and scored over 1,200 career points. He brings much-needed shooting to a Paladin team that struggled heavily from beyond the arc, shooting a league-low 32% from deep.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to add Nick Anderson to the Furman men's basketball program. He possesses a special skill with his ability to shoot the basketball, matched with a high IQ for the game. We are excited for Nick to join us while he pursues a master's degree from Furman University”
- Bob Richey via (FurmanPaladins.com).
Anderson’s off-ball movement and off-the-catch shooting are things the Paladins have lacked in past seasons. Coach Richey seems excited for Nick to step foot on campus, and Furman fans should be excited, too. Check out some highlights below:
Charles Johnston - F/C - 6’11, 224 lbs.
In an effort to add more size, rising junior Charles Johnston was signed out of Division II California State Monterey Bay. Johnston brings much-needed size to a Paladin team that has been typically smaller in years past. A native of Sydney, Australia, Johnston decided to pursue basketball in the United States after competing for the Sutherland Sharks, an Australian NBL1 team. The 6-foot-11 forward averaged 13 points per game, showcasing his mobility and clean stroke, shooting 37% from deep. Even as a stretch big, Johnston was fifth in Division II with 10.7 rebounds per game. Johnston will try to challenge returning fifth-year player Garret Hien for a potential starting role and minutes at the center position. His unique ability to shoot beyond the arc gives the Paladins a different offensive dynamic that had not been available since the loss of Jalen Slawson. Bob Richey had high praise for Johnston, mentioning he was a top priority in the portal.
"Furman fans will be immediately drawn to his personality and character as soon as they interact with him. Charles has a unique blend of size and offensive versatility that will thrive in our offensive system.We identified Charles early in the spring as someone that could help improve our size and skill in the front court."
- Bob Richey via (FurmanPaladins.com).
Johnston committed to Furman over offers from Montana, Montana State, Weber State, Chattanooga, Liberty, Idaho, and more. Johnson has the potential to be a future starter playing alongside rising star Cooper Bowser. Watch some Charles Johnston highlights below:
Tom House - Wing - 6’7, 200 lbs.
A surprise commit coming out of FSU, House committed to Furman after 24 days in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-7 small forward averaged under 4 minutes per game while shooting 47.1 % (8-17) from deep. House was initially recruited by Furman out of Centerville High School in one of Bob Richey’s favorite states to recruit, Ohio. His offer sheet included Tulane, Rice, Old Dominion, Fordham, and others. Originally a highly touted swimming prospect, House gave up swimming to pursue a basketball career. As a high school Junior, House helped Centerville High School to a state championship in 2021 and runner-up the following season.
"Tom is someone that our program has had familiarity with dating back to early in his high school career at Centerville High School…Tom will provide our program with character, leadership, and work ethic. With Tom's size, ability to shoot the basketball, and feel for the game, we couldn't be more excited to add him to our program."
- Bob Richey via (FurmanPaladins.com).
At 6’7, House has dynamic length and talent that usually would not be available at the mid-major level. If his shooting proves consistent, House will definitely compete for major starting minutes this upcoming season. High School highlights below, including a cameo by one Alex Williams:
Tom House vs. Alex Williams:
Game winner in State Championship: