Sophomore guard Armaan Franklin announced Thursday night that he will move to Virginia. Franklin initially entered the transfer portal after the dismissal of Archie Miller.
Franklin was one of the most improved players in the Big Ten last season, averaging 11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Hoosiers. He was one of Indiana’s most trusted players throughout the year.
Excited about the next chapter in my life. I have to thank the IU community, supporters and my teammates for all their support. Know that I appreciate you all so much! ?????? @UVAMensHoops pic.twitter.com/NErzsdMDXL
– Armaan Franklin (@ unkle44artty) 8 April 2021
But halfway through the season, Franklin suffered an ankle injury and was sidelined for two weeks. When he returned, he did not perform as well at the level he had shown earlier in the year. Despite being hampered, he still provided the Hoosiers with a substantial lift, such as when he hit a game-winning draw to beat Iowa.
In a late-February game against Rutgers, Franklin landed uncomfortably and injured his right foot, a separate injury to his rolled ankle. After missing a few more games, he appears in Indiana’s season-ending loss to Rutgers in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Shortly after Miller was fired, Franklin entered the transfer portal and apparently heard from Xavier, Butler, Minnesota, Louisville, Penn State, Clemson, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Georgia and Virginia, among others.
“We want to make sure that, while we search, we also do our due diligence in promoting relationships,” India Franklin, Armaan’s mother, told Inside the Hall after entering the portal. “… Everything happens so fast, so we just want to make sure all our options are available.”
On Thursday, Franklin announced that he would be leaving Bloomington after two years with the program. Initially, there were six Hoosiers in the transfer portal, four of whom have now returned to IU. Al Durham leaves for Providence and now Franklin is gone too.
The Hoosiers still have plenty of options in the backfield with Khristian Lander, Rob Phinisee, Anthony Leal, Trey Galloway, Xavier Johnson and Parker Stewart.
If Joey Brunk returns next season, Indiana has two more scholarships available to fill. It is likely that they will continue to pursue options in the transfer portal.
Posted by: Armaan Franklin