The transfer portal recruitment of Florida Gators guard Riley Kugel has now reportedly come to an end, as the former four-star prospect committed to the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Thursday afternoon.
Originally entering the transfer portal back in March, Kugel would commit to Kansas in late-March, but would reportedly end up not joining the Jayhawks. Because of this, Kugel would re-enter the portal, with the guard now ending up back in the SEC at Mississippi State.
Kugel, who has started 28-of-65 games for Florida across the last two years, has been a key member of the Gators roster during his time in Gainesville, averaging a combined 9.5 PPG. The guard has also averaged a combined 3.2 RPG and 1.2 APG on 42.3%/34.2%/67.8% shooting.
A 2022-23 SEC All-Freshman selection, Kugel started in 11-of-33 games a year ago for the Gators as a sophomore, averaging 9.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, and 1.1 SPG on 39.4% shooting from the field. Kugel also shot 31.2% from three, as well as 69.6% at the free throw line.
Back to where it all started @HailStateMBK pic.twitter.com/1u8eYoDTDc
— Riley “ Juice ” Kugel (@RileyKugel) May 16, 2024
As mentioned previously, Kugel was a former four-star prospect out of high school, who, despite ending up going to Florida, was one-time a signee with Mississippi State in the 2022 class.
Kugel now ends up at Mississippi State where he, the Bulldogs fifth commit via the portal this offseason, is likely to make a key impact in 2024-25.