Panthers Add Highest-Rated Transfer in MBB Program History

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In a summer full of new additions via the portal, FIU Men’s Basketball continues to solidify its roster. Joey Cantens and the Panthers have added Tijan Saine Jr., becoming the highest-rated transfer in program history.

HUGE GET for Joey Cantens and @FIUHoops adding Tijan Saine Jr.

Averaged 17.5 points per game
Earned First-Team All-Big Sky honors
Played and started in all 32 games at Weber State
Led the Big Sky Conference in scoring in conference games at 20.8 points per game#FIU #PawsUp https://t.co/52HwlwNOwZ

— Paws Up Podcast (@PawsUpPodcast) August 14, 2026

Saine Jr. is a 5’10 170-pound guard from Everett, Washington. He earned All-Big Sky honors after starting all 32 games for the Webster State Wildcats, averaging 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game.

In conference games, Saine Jr. led the Big Sky Conference in scoring against conference opponents at 20.8 points per game. He scored in double figures in 27 of 32 games and reached 20 or more points 15 times.

He shot 89.6 % from the free-throw line, 45.4% from the floor, and 34.7% from three-point range. His free-throw percentage was the third-best in a season in Webster State history and second in the Big Sky. Saine Jr. was third in the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Come April 7th I will be entering the transfer portal thank you Weber State!
Conference Stats + playoffs
Ppg 21.1, 4.4apg, 2.4rpg, 1.3spg
-1st Team Big Sky
-Led Big Sky in scoring during conference play
-Academic All District pic.twitter.com/L9bRFQo7VA

— Tijan (@TijanSaine) March 30, 2026

Saine Jr. was named the Webster State Athletics Male Newcomer of the Year. He also earned Academic All-District and All-Big Sky Academic honors in Professional Sales.

Tijan Saine Jr. played three seasons of Division II basketball at Western Washington. He started his career in 2022-23 as a redshirt freshman. Then, was named GNAC Freshman of the Year during the 2023-24 season after averaging 10.3 points and 2.3 assists per game.

In 2024-25, he earned First-Team All-GNAC honors after averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Making 21 starts, Saine Jr. shot 45% from the field, 39% from behind the arc, and 89% from the charity stripe.

Come April 7th I will be entering the transfer portal thank you Weber State!
Conference Stats + playoffs
Ppg 21.1, 4.4apg, 2.4rpg, 1.3spg
-1st Team Big Sky
-Led Big Sky in scoring during conference play
-Academic All District pic.twitter.com/L9bRFQo7VA

— Tijan (@TijanSaine) March 30, 2026

Saine Jr. was also a three-year starter at Mariner High School, where, as a captain, he averaged 17 points, eight assists, and three steals per contest in his senior season.