Portal season has finally arrived for college basketball, and the excitement is palpable. On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Sam Kayser from 24/7 High School Hoops reported that the Pitt basketball staff has made significant strides by reaching out to Milwaukee transfer forward JaMichael Stillwell.
Stillwell, standing at an impressive 6-foot-8 and weighing 225 pounds, has emerged as a notable player in the transfer portal, ranking as the number two rebounder among over 300 Division One players who have entered or declared their intention to enter the portal. He had an impressive season with the Milwaukee Panthers, averaging 13 points and 10.7 rebounds per game during his debut year.
This season marked Stillwell's first with the Panthers after a transfer from Butler County Community College in Kansas. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he earned the nickname “Mr. Stand On Business” during his high school days at Elevation Prep. This reflects his serious demeanor and commitment to the game.
Throughout the season, Stillwell showcased his remarkable skills, highlighted by a standout 19-rebound game against Green Bay and a phenomenal 26-point performance against Robert Morris. He maintained an average of 28 minutes of playtime per game and exhibited shooting accuracy of 29% from beyond the arc, successfully making 20 three-pointers throughout the season.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Stillwell contributed defensively as well, blocking 12 shots and collecting 40 steals during his time on the court. He impressively scored in double figures on 26 occasions out of the 30 games he appeared in.
As of today, Stillwell has garnered interest from multiple schools since entering the transfer portal, including highly regarded programs such as Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Loyola Marymount, Kansas State, Iowa State, Illinois, Georgia, Georgia Tech, George Washington, Florida State, DePaul, Dayton, Colorado, Cincinnati, BYU, and Butler.
The transfer portal is known for creating excitement and anxiety among players and programs alike, as they seek to improve their rosters and reach new heights. With Stillwell being a sought-after player, attention from multiple schools is no surprise, considering his stellar performance this past season.
As college basketball teams prepare for the upcoming season, the recruiting landscape becomes increasingly competitive. Programs are eager to secure top talent, and Stillwell's name has become prominent as potential suitors line up to express their interest.
In the coming weeks, fans and analysts will closely follow Stillwell's decision-making process as he weighs his options. This marks a crucial stage in his basketball career, as he aims to find the right fit for his talents and aspirations.
For continuous updates on the transfer portal and college basketball, stay tuned to The Portal Report and Pittsburgh Sports Now as they cover the ongoing developments throughout the spring season.