Minnesota transfer Marcus Carr down to Texas and professional opportunity

After entering the NCAA transfer portal in March and then recently removing departing the NBA Draft process, former Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Marcus Carr is now down to two final options.

After visiting Austin earlier in the week and canceling a planned trip to the Louisville Cardinals, Carr is deciding between the Texas Longhorns and a professional opportunity in Australia, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports and Nick Harris of Horns247.

The news marks a significant development in a high-profile recruitment that also features the likes of Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisville, although the current dead period complicates the situation — if Carr is on campus on Tuesday, he wouldn’t be able to meet with the coaching staff.

Texas still has a need at the position because Kentucky transfer Devin Askew isn’t likely ready to step in as the starting point guard, Andrew Jones has questionable ball-handling skills at times, and Courtney Ramey is used to playing with a primary playmaker in the departed Matt Coleman.

The experienced Carr could provide an immediate, short-term solution at point guard after ranking 50th in assists per contest last season, further bolstering what should be a formidable starting unit.

Not to mention, Carr’s explosive scoring prowess could provide the Horns with even more offensive firepower — he scored at least 25 points seven times last season, including a 41-point display against Nebraska.

So far, Beard and his staff of highly-capable recruiters have been able to win some pitched recruiting battles for top transfers. Can they add the final piece?

While Carr isn’t exactly a must-have given the kind of offseason Beard has had in Austin, he’s the kind of talent who could help Texas become a major contender not only in the Big 12, but nationally.

According to Travis Branham of 247Sports, Carr will inform Texas of his decision in the next several days.