CBB Notes: Harrell staying at U of L; transfers piling up
Published on Monday, 4/14/14, at 5:55 p.m. Eastern.
By Brian Edwards
–Louisville and Rick Pitino got great news Monday when rising junior power forward Montrezl Harrell elected to return to school. Most draftniks had Harrell pegged as a mid-first-round pick, but he’s decided to come back in hopes of bolstering his stock and ensuring a spot in next year’s lottery. Harrell played like a beast in the paint down the stretch of the 2013-2014 campaign. He averaged 14.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for the season.
–Boston College forward Ryan Anderson will transfer. The Eagles’ leading rebounder and second-leading scorer is from California, so Pac-12 schools (and one program noted below) are likely candidates to score the versatile sharpshooter. Anderson, who averaged 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in 2013-2014, plans on having shoulder surgery while he sits out the 2014-2015 campaign. San Diego St. is reportedly a leading candidate for his services.
–Bryce Dejean-Jones is transferring from UNLV to Iowa St., which has become a common landing spot for elite transfers during Fred Hoiberg’s tenure. Dejean-Jones (13.6 PPG) will be eligible immediately since he’s already graduated. He had poor body language often during this past year and seemed to be a catalyst in the poor overall chemistry the Runnin’ Rebels had. With that said, DeAndre Kane had issues galore at Marshall but thrived in Ames under the tutelage of The Mayor. Perhaps Dejean-Jones will do the same for the Cyclones?
–Other key transfers announced recently include Kevin Ware, who is going from Louisville to Ga. State. Ware is most remembered for the gruesome leg break sustained against Duke in the Elite Eight of the 2013 NCAA Tourney.
–Boston U.’s Maurice Watson (13.3 PPG, 7.1 assists) is headed to Creighton.
–Va. Tech’s Trevor Thompson is on his way to Ohio St. The 6-11 Thompson will have to sit out 2014-2015 but will then have three years of eligibility with the Buckeyes.
–Xavier’s Justin Martin is also looking for a new home. Martin, who averaged 11.7 pts and 5.2 RPG in 2013-2014, is about to graduate and can play immediately for whatever school he chooses.
