Tag: transfer

Appalachian State basketball standout commits to Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs added a commitment from the 2023 Sun Belt defensive player of the year

The Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Mike White continued to build their roster for the 2024 season on Wednesday with a transfer from the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Justin Abson, the 2023 Sun Belt defensive player of the year, announced via X that he has committed to the Dawgs.

Abson is a 6-foot-9, 235 pound forward originally from Pompano Beach, Florida. He scored 7.9 points per game along with 7.1 total rebounds per game and averaged a remarkable 2.8 blocks per game, which was third nationally. He will contribute most on the defensive side but shot 61.9 percent from the field and can be a solid offensive piece in Athens as well.

Abson gives the Dawgs their second transfer addition of this offseason cycle, joining De’Shayne Montgomery from Mount St. Mary’s, and their first addition at the forward position. Abson chose the Dawgs over Michigan and Xavier, who were also active in his pursuit.

Alabama G Latrell Wrightsell Jr. announces his return to Alabama in 2024-25

Alabama guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. set to use his additional year of eligibility and return to Tuscaloosa next season

[autotag]Nate Oats[/autotag] and the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team received some great news this morning as guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. announced his decision to use his final year of eligibility to return to Alabama next season. It still depends on who else comes back to the team and who Oats can land via the transfer portal, but Wrightsell will more than likely be a full-time starter next season after starting just 12 of 31 games in the 2023-2024 season.

Wrightsell dealt with a plethora of injuries all season long as he missed six games, but he was without question one of the most impactful players on the Crimson Tide roster. Despite never being fully healthy, Wrightsell was still able to average 8.9 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game and 1.4 assists per game and in fact, he scored at least 10 points in 10 games for Alabama last year. Alabama was 10-0 in those contests.

After spending his first three seasons with Cal State Fullerton, there was a bit of an adjustment period to playing in Alabama’s up-tempo offense. However, come tournament time, he was as valuable as anyone not named Mark Sears or Grant Nelson.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Former Georgia defensive lineman announces transfer destination

Former Georgia defender announces decision to join the Texas Longhorns via the transfer portal

After entering the transfer portal just over a week ago, a former Georgia defender has found his new home. Bill Norton, who spent four years with the Dawgs before playing last season with the Arizona Wildcats, has announced his decision to join the Texas Longhorns for the 2024 season.

Norton is listed at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, and is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. A four-star recruit in the class of 2019, he recorded 13 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss during his time at Georgia in a limited role. Last season with Arizona, he played in all thirteen games, recording 32 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles for a strong Wildcats’ defense that helped pave the way for their 10-3 season.

Norton will provide a boost to a Longhorn defensive line that is looking to replace two future NFL players in Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat. He joins Tiaoalii Savea as the second Wildcat defensive lineman to join the Longhorns this offseason and is the third transfer into the unit overall as Steve Sarkisian attempts to prepare his roster for their jump into the Southeastern Conference.

Former Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn gets transfer prediction to ACC power

What would your reaction be to Chucky Hepburn transferring to the struggling ACC power?

Former Wisconsin star guard Chucky Hepburn has received an On3 transfer prediction to choose ACC power Louisville.

Hepburn entered the transfer portal on Thursday after three decorated years with the Badgers. He played in and started 103 games over that time, averaging 32.1 minutes, 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals on 42% shooting and 36% from 3.

Related: An updated look at Wisconsin basketball’s 2024-25 roster after Chucky Hepburn’s departure

A potential transfer to Louisville would be a bit of a shock. The Cardinals went 8-24 (3-17 ACC) in 2023-24. The program fired former coach Kenny Payne after the season, then replaced him with College of Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey.

The thought among college basketball circles is Hepburn and former Omaha transfer forward Frankie Fidler could be a package deal. Louisville certainly has the history, pedigree and fan base to make a splash like this one. But it would be a bit of a surprise with other top programs in the market for top transfers.

Monitor this space as we soon hear from Hepburn and Fidler, two of the more important transfers left on the board.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

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LOOK: Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn releases statement on transfer decision

LOOK: Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn releases statement on transfer decision

Wisconsin star guard Chucky Hepburn entered the transfer portal on Thursday, electing to depart Madison in search of an opportunity elsewhere.

Hepburn later released a statement on his decision to enter the transfer portal via Instagram.

“Thank you, Wisconsin,” Hepburn wrote. “For everything you have given me. I will carry the lessons and memories from my time here with me wherever I go. And I will always be proud to have been a Badger.”

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In 103 career starts, Hepburn averaged 9.8 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. His impact on both sides of the ball made him a driving force behind the team’s success, and transformed him into a fan favorite at the Kohl Center.

Here is that full statement:

Wisconsin’s platoon will look different in 2024-25 after the departure of four rotation players — three via the transfer portal and one via graduation. Overall, eight players are gone from the 2023-2024 team.

Barring any major setback or portal news, class of 2024 point guard Daniel Freitag will likely replace Hepburn’s void at point guard next fall.

Wisconsin boasts two of 247Sports’ ‘top Big Ten newcomers’ entering 2024

Wisconsin boasts two of 247Sports’ ‘top Big Ten newcomers’ entering 2024

Two of Wisconsin football’s offseason additions made 247Sports’ list of the top 25 Big Ten newcomers entering 2024.

Those two: quarterback Tyler Van Dyke at No. 23 and inside linebacker Tackett Curtis at No. 14.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 spring transfer portal window tracker

Van Dyke is set to likely start for the Badgers this season after four years at Miami. He transfers with 32 games of experience and stats including a 63.7 completion percentage, 7,469 yards, 54 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His inclusion on the list is no surprise, as he’s instantly one of the more accomplished quarterbacks in the conference.

Curtis, meanwhile, transferred to Wisconsin after one season at USC. The former top recruit started most of the season at inside linebacker for a poor Trojans defense, recording 40 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and two sacks. He brings an impressive recruiting pedigree and a ton of potential, but he isn’t in line to start for the Badgers in 2024.

Luke Fickell and his staff worked hard to re-shape the program’s linebacker room. Veteran Jaheim Thomas is projected to start alongside Jake Chaney this season, with Curtis and former UNC linebacker Sebastian Cheeks forming the future.

Curtis has a high transfer portal ranking because of his high school billing. But he likely won’t have a huge impact in 2024.

247Sports’ piece looks at the highest transfer rating, which Curtis does bring. It may just take a few years for that potential to pay off on the field.

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LOOK: Former Wisconsin basketball guard visits a Big Ten rival

LOOK: Former Wisconsin basketball guard visits a Big Ten rival

Former Wisconsin basketball guard Connor Essegian took a visit to Big Ten rival Maryland, according to On3’s Joe Tipton.

Essegian departed after two years with the Badgers. The young guard had a fantastic freshman season in 2022-23 before losing much of his playing time in 2023-24. He averaged just 7.3 minutes and 3.2 points per game in 2023-24, down from 27.4 and 11.7, respectively, in 2022-23.

Related: Tracking Wisconsin basketball’s reported transfer portal visits and targets

He entered the portal last month after Wisconsin’s season came to a close with an NCAA Tournament loss to James Madison. The move was a bit of a surprise after a recent report indicated he might stick around. But it is not a surprise given his slide down the depth chart and outlook with the program.

Essegian was a fan-favorite in Madison — enough so that some fans were calling for him to play more down the stretch of the season. But those fans should recognize the grass is likely greener for him elsewhere given Wisconsin’s influx of backcourt talent.

With interest already reported between Essegian and Michigan, there appears to be more Big Ten teams in the mix.

 

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Mount St. Mary’s star transfer names top four schools

The Bulldogs are in need of incoming guard production in light of the exit of Noah Thomasson and the uncertainty surrounding freshman Silas Demary Jr.

A highly coveted basketball transfer target has named Georgia to his top four. De’Shayne Montgomery, a guard who played his freshman year at Mount St. Mary’s, named the Dawgs alongside Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Southern California.

Montgomery is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is listed at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and is coming off of a breakout season for the Mountaineers. He averaged 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while coming on strong toward the end of the year where he scored over 24 points in four of the final five games. He was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rookie of the year for his performance.

The Bulldogs and head coach Mike White are in dire need of incoming guard production in light of the exit of Noah Thomasson and the uncertainty surrounding freshman Silas Demary Jr. Montgomery would bring immediate experience and production as the Dawgs look to become contenders in the SEC, where they finished 11th this year.

Wisconsin basketball reaches out to talented D-II transfer forward

Wisconsin basketball reaches out to talented D-II transfer forward

Wisconsin basketball is in pursuit of Union (Division II) transfer forward Jordan Pkye, according to The Portal Report on X.

The 6-foot-7 forward averaged averaged 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds on 51.7% shooting as a true freshman in 2023-24. He entered the portal with three years of eligibility remaining.

Related: Tracking Wisconsin basketball’s reported transfer portal visits and targets

The Badgers are reportedly one of numerous schools to express interest in the D-II transfer, though they appear to be the only power-conference team.

Greg Gard and his staff are working to replace the departing production of star guard A.J. Storr and recently graduated forward Tyler Wahl. Pyke would create depth in a frontcourt that needs substantial help.

For more on Wisconsin’s roster and transfer portal activity, check out Badgers Wire’s ongoing 2024 transfer portal tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

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Mutual interest reported between former Wisconsin G Connor Essegian and a Big Ten rival

There is mutual interest between former Wisconsin guard Connor Essegian and Michigan, according to a report from 247Sports.

There is mutual interest between former Wisconsin guard Connor Essegian and Michigan, according to a report from 247Sports’ Davis Moseley.

The young guard entered the transfer portal on Sunday after a quiet second season with the Badgers. He averaged 3.2 points and 7.3 minutes per game in 2023-24, down from 11.7 points and 27.4 minutes per game as a freshman in 2022-23.

Related: If Wisconsin decides to move on from Greg Gard, who could it target as its next head coach?

Essegian transferring isn’t entirely surprising. It would have been tough for him to crack Wisconsin’s guard rotation in 2024-25 with Chucky Hepburn, John Blackwell, Max Klesmit and A.J. Storr set to return.

A potential transfer to Michigan would certainly be an interesting twist in Essegian’s relationship with the Wisconsin faithful. He remains a fan favorite even with the decision to transfer, though landing at Michigan could change things.

The Wolverines are working to rebuild their program after firing Juwan Howard following an 8-24 season. Former Florida Atlantic head coach Dusty May was recently hired and appears to already be at work in the portal.

For more on Wisconsin’s roster and transfer portal activity, check out Badgers Wire’s ongoing 2024 transfer portal tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

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