Mike Meadows originally transferred to California back in May, but then committed to Saint Louis last week. (Photo courtesy: Portland University Athletics)
Cedric Williams
Senior Editor
ST. LOUIS, MO — Standout transfer guard Mike Meadows, who played for Eastern Washington and Portland previously and transferred to California back in May, announced this past week that he had committed to Saint Louis University and will play for the Billikens this season.
Meadows, a 6-foot-2 grad student, played the past two seasons at Portland after playing the two years prior to that at Eastern Washington. Last season, Meadows averaged 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for a Portland team that went 14-19.
In 2021-22, Meadows averaged 10.2 points and 3.0 assists while starting 25 of 26 games for Portland. Injuries have been an issue that has limited Meadows throughout the last two seasons.
It has been a spring and summer full of changes for Meadows. The 24-year old announced on March 29 that he was transferring to Loyola Marymount, but a month later changed his mind, and announced he had committed to Cal. But after spending the summer working out with the team there, he announced at the beginning of August that he was de-committing again and becoming a free agent.
That’s when SLU head coach Travis Ford, who coached Meadows’ father years ago, reached out. Meadows didn’t wait long to decide and announced this past week that he would be coming to Saint Louis, where he will likely start as the Billikens’ top point guard.
Meadows will be one of 10 new players on the SLU roster this season, which includes transfers Bradley Ezewiro (Georgetown), Tim Lagler (Tulsa), and seven new freshmen.
He most likely won’t run the team like former point guard Yuri Collins did. Collins led college basketball in assists for each of the past couple of years. Meadows will move the ball around, but will also look to score himself.
This should be especially helpful for Ford, who was likely going to have a true freshman start at point guard this season, with either Cian Medley or Djordje Curcic. In fact, SLU’s roster was looking at losing so much production, the Billikens will only have Gibson Jimerson as the lone certain offensive weapon to give the ball to.
That’s why having a player like Meadows, who can run the offense and score as well is so important for the Billikens.
He was a double-digit scorer in all four previous seasons, coming off shooting 38% from three and 46% overall in 21 games last year. That includes a 39-point effort against Santa Clara on 14/22 shooting. He’s certainly more of a scorer than a facilitator, with just one 5+ assist game in all of last season, playing more off the ball next to current NBA prospect Tyler Robertson.
The Billikens are still waiting to hear if the 6-foot-10 Ezewiro will be granted a waiver and allowed to play this year. If so, SLU will know its starting five will be Meadows, Ezewiro, Jimerson, guard Sincere Parker, and high-flying forward Terrance Hargrove, Jr.