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NCAA Transfer Rumors: Where Should Malik Newman Play Next?

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 13, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Malik Newman (14) moves the ball down the court during the first half of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Malik Newman (14) moves the ball down the court during the first half of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Malik Newman (14) brings the ball up court against Texas Southern Tigers guard Jerron Martin (20) during the game at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Malik Newman (14) brings the ball up court against Texas Southern Tigers guard Jerron Martin (20) during the game at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Europe

This may not be the most ideal of moves for most, but Malik Newman could benefit greatly from going the professional route. He could find a system that helps him hone his skills in Europe—while simultaneously making a pretty penny—or enter the NBA D-League.

The harsh reality is: this may end up being the only way for Newman to play in 2016-17.

If Newman were to transfer to a new school, there’s a high probability that he wouldn’t be allowed to play as a sophomore. Loopholes can be found, and appeals can be made, but the last thing Newman wants is a long and drawn-out process that keeps him off the court.

One assumes that he wouldn’t transfer without a 100 percent confirmation that he could play, but if he can’t, this becomes an option.

The D-League sounds nice, but Newman would benefit from playing for a European team. It would place him in a structured environment that values team play over individual achievement, and could thus help Newman improve his skills as a facilitator.

At that point, Newman could enter the 2017 NBA Draft with less positional ambiguity and the skills to be evaluated as a modern point guard.

Next: Revisiting An Old Option