Xavier transfer Makinde London lands at Chattanooga

First, the news:

Chattanooga's Matt McCall has picked up a commitment from Xavier transfer Makinde London. High-major talent.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 11, 2016

Makinde's stated reason for transferring was to get closer to home, and good on the lad, because he's done just that. Chattanooga was a program on the rise under Will Wade, who jumped ship for the VCU job when it came open, and has continued to be under the direction of Matt McCall.

McCall took the Mocs to their first NCAA tournament bid since 2009 last year, drawing a 12 seed and the Indiana Hoosiers, who summarily defeated them behind 20/1/10 from Yogi Ferrell. Every major contributor on that team was a senior or a junior, so Makinde will be part of an attempt to rebuild and keep the momentum going under McCall.

In London, the Moccasins are getting a long and skill forward who has the potential to be a very disruptive weapon. He flashed some impressive ball-handling and passing skills - not least of which was his whirling assist to Sean O'Mara against USC - and the range and confidence to step out and knock down jumpers from behind the arc. He also has the elite athleticism to be a great rebounder and shot blocker. If it falls into place for Makinde, he'll be an unstoppable force in the Southern Conference.

By virtue of his already having taken a redshirt year, Makinde will sit out one and play two, barring special dispensation from the NCAA.