Transfers

Cal State Fullerton's Success With Transfers Paying Off

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:12:18 -0800

Note: The original version of this story can be read here

Last season Bob Burton's Cal State Fullerton Titans took more than their fair share of lumps on the way to an 11-20 record. Fullerton was unable to recover from a 4-11 non-conference record, and the fact that they were able to go 7-9 in Big West play despite a seven-man rotation was likely an achieve unto itself. While the Titans took their lumps in games however, they could take solace in the fact that three very talented transfers were awaiting their chance to take the floor. Those three first-year players, combined with returnees who have accepted their augmented roles, are a bid reason why Burton's Titans are two wins away from a 20-win campaign.

Kwame Vaughn, D.J. Seeley and Omondi Amoke all arrived from Division I programs within the state, with Vaughn showing up by way of San Francisco while both Seeley and Amoke began their college careers at Cal. They're now three of the top four scorers for the Titans, who have won five straight and eight of their last nine games to move to 18-7 overall and 9-3 in conference play. In spite of the seven-win turnaround to this point it really shouldn't be a surprise that the Titans are having success with transfers. It's been something that Coach Burton and his staff have been able to do for some time now.

"We're notorious for transfers," Burton said in a phone conversation last week. "It's a way to get top-rated players here as opposed to recruiting them out of high school."

Given the presence of the Pac-12 and Mountain West in southern California when it comes to recruiting, it's not a bad strategy at all provided the guys taken in are good for team chemistry. Fullerton's most recent NCAA tournament trip (2008) was led by Washington State transfer Josh Akognon and their entire lineup consisted of transfers, the lone team in that tournament able to make that claim. But once again such strides can't be made if all parties aren't on board, and the chemistry of this current group of Titans is a big reason why they've played so well.

"Our number one concern was chemistry, but it was really good that most of our returnees knew that we needed help," noted Burton. "It's been difficult at times but we're really together right now."

Seeley (16.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Vaughn (16.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.1 apg) are the leading scorers, and with regards to Vaughn's play the ninth-year head coach pointed to Fullerton's 73-66 loss at Cal State Bakersfield on November 26th as the turning point. In the middle game of Fullerton's three-game losing streak Vaughn scored a team-best 17 points but didn't tally a single assist, and for a player being used in a point guard role something had to give. And it isn't very often that the head coach will step up and admit that he needed to change his approach, as Burton did with Vaughn.

"At first we moved him to the two but after Fullerton we just let him settle in and play," said Burton of his scoring point guard. Since that game Vaughn has gone without an assist in just one game and he's averaging 5.2 helpers per contest over the last five. His best game was a 37-point, six-assist effort in the Titans' 99-86 win over UCSB on February 4th, a contest that did wonders for a program given the national TV audience and a sold-out Titan Gym.

While Seeley's been free to go to work on the perimeter as the Titans' primary scoring option, Amoke's been the anchor in the frontcourt for Fullerton. The 6'7" senior is averaging 12.2 points and a team-best 8.7 rebounds per game on the season, and he's got a 23-point, 17-rebound performance to his credit as well (94-84 win over UC Irvine). Amoke's had help inside as well, as one-time USF Bull Orane Chin has been a quiet, steady force with averages of 10.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game and Sedric Martin's been able to earn more minutes in recent games.

There's another returnee who certainly merits mention on the perimeter in sophomore Isiah Umipig, who averaged 7.4 points and 1.2 assists per game in 20.4 minutes of action as a freshman. Umipig has increased both his scoring (13.6) and assist (2.4) numbers playing alongside Vaughn, and there's no doubt that his experiences as a freshman have helped improve his game as a sophomore. Having Vaughn allows Umipig to continue to mature as a player, with the goal being that he's ready for more point guard responsibilities next season.

"He'll eventually be a point guard," said Burton of Umipig, who scored 25 points in the win over UCSB. "He just needs to keep maturing and get better at getting to the basket."

It's clear that Long Beach State, who is currently undefeated in Big West play (13-0), is the class of the conference heading into the stretch run and Coach Burton even said that in his view UCSB remains the second-best team in the Big West (they did win the first meeting in Santa Barbara). But thanks to their productive transfers and all parties (newcomers and returnees alike) being willing and able to coexist, it would be wise to keep an eye on Cal State Fullerton down the stretch. There's enough talent at Coach Burton's disposal for this season to go from being good to special.

Oakland Adds Former SWAC Freshman of the Year

Press Release — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:42:15 -0700

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma men's basketball head coach Jeff Capel announced today that junior forward Barry Honoré has transferred to OU from Southern University. Honoré (pronounced ON-uh-ray) will sit out the 2009-10 season and have two seasons of eligibility remaining as a walk-on.

The 6-7 Honoré started 54 of 61 games during his two years at Southern and averaged 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 25.5 minutes per contest. He was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year in 2007-08 when he averaged 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, and shot .361 from 3-point range (13-for-36). Last season as a sophomore, the Garland, Texas, product averaged 8.8 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting .413 from long range (19-for-46). He scored in double figures in 13 of the team's 31 contests.

Honoré, who attended South Garland High School, was born in Oklahoma City and has relatives in and close to Norman. He said family and the strength of the OU basketball program were the two reasons he decided to become a Sooner.

"I wanted to be closer to home and closer to my family," said Honoré. "I have a grandmother who's in a nursing home right down the street here in Norman. I also have an aunt and uncle who live in Norman, and another aunt and uncle who live in Noble.

"This is a great program. I've always loved OU since I was a kid. A lot of people from my family attended OU. It's a great school with great tradition in academics and sports. I want to be a part of that."

Honoré said he is a broadcasting major.

- OU -

Ole Miss Adds Indiana Transfer Nick Williams

Press Release — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:14:16 -0700

OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss head basketball coach Andy Kennedy announced Monday that former Indiana starting guard Nick Williams is transferring to join the Rebels.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, the 6-foot-4, 211-pound Alabama native can start practicing with the team in the fall but is ineligible for the 2009-10 season. Williams may begin playing in the 2010-11 campaign with three years of eligibility remaining.

"Nick is a talented, versatile wing who we are fortunate to welcome into our program," Kennedy said. "The experience he gained as a freshman at IU, coupled with his outstanding prep career, make him exactly what we were looking for in filling our last scholarship."

A native of Mobile, Williams played in all 31 games and started 29 as a freshman at Indiana this past season. He averaged 8.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per outing, while leading the team with a 73.8 percentage from the free-throw line. His scoring improved in Big Ten play, where he averaged 9.8 points and pulled down 4.4 boards per contest.

He cracked double figures in scoring 14 times as a freshman, including a 19-point outburst at Wisconsin and an 18-point performance against Cornell. He grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds at Wake Forest.

Williams is a graduate of LeFlore Prep Academy in Mobile, where he was named the Alabama High School Player of the Year after his senior season. Rated the No. 30 overall prospect and No. 7 shooting guard by ESPN.com in 2008, he averaged 21.0 points and led his team to a 30-3 record, a No. 32 national ranking and a berth in the Class 6A state semifinals. As a junior, he helped LeFlore to a 32-3 record and state championship while averaging 17.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

Other Rebel signees in this year's signing class are incoming freshman forward Reginald Buckner (Manassas HS, Memphis, Tenn.) and junior college forward DeAngelo Riley (Southwest Tennessee CC, Memphis, Tenn.).

Juan Pattillo Dismissed by Oklahoma, Will Transfer

Press Release — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:12:45 -0700

NORMAN, Okla. - University of Oklahoma men's basketball head coach Jeff Capel announced today that junior Juan Pattillo has been dismissed from the OU squad for violating team policy.

Pattillo, a 6-6, 216-pound forward from Las Vegas, Nev., played in 18 games this past season and averaged 6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots in 15.0 minutes per outing. He scored a high of 15 points against Kansas Feb. 23 and grabbed a high of 10 rebounds against Baylor Feb. 11. Over OU's four NCAA Tournament games, he averaged 3.3 points and 3.0 boards.

Capel said that he will have no comment on the matter.

Zane Johnson Leaving Arizona

Press Release — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:51:05 -0700

TUCSON, Ariz. - University of Arizona men's basketball player Zane Johnson announced Wednesday that he will transfer to another school. He has not yet made a decision on which school he will attend.

Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 204-pound sophomore guard from Phoenix, Ariz., averaged 4.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game in 33 games (13 starts) this season. He averaged 19.1 minutes per game.

He connected on 43.1 percent (50-of-116) of his field goal attempts, including 39.6 percent (36-of-91) from three-point range and ranked third on the team with 36 three-point field goals. Johnson set new career highs in assists (31) and steals (14) and ranked second on the club with a 1.41:1 assist:turnover ratio.

In his two-year career, Johnson averaged 3.4 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game in 48 appearances (13 starts), while shooting 41.5 percent (54-of-130) from the field.

"We wish Zane only the best of luck," said Arizona head coach Sean Miller. "He felt that opportunities would be better for him elsewhere."

Jai Lucas Transfering to Texas

Matthew Ryter — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:55:12 -0800

The Story: Jai Lucas, former Florida Gator guard, says he will transfer to Texas, and will be eligible beginning next season. After one exhibition game this season, Lucas decided to leave Florida. He had started all 36 games as a freshman. He was named to the SEC all-freshman team after averaging 8.5 points per game and leading the Gators in 3-point shooting last year. Florida coach Billy Donovan said last month that Lucas had wanted to play the point, which was already secured by Nick Calathes. Lucas told a Houston television station KRIV that he chose Texas over Rice and Baylor. "Texas has always been my dream school. I always wanted to go there," he said. "I hope I can come in and contribute and be a part of something big." Lucas will have to sit out the remainder of the season before becoming eligible to play.

Ryter’s Block: I think that this move by Lucas will improve Texas. Senior sensation A.J. Abrams will be gone after this season and may be accompanied by junior Damion James. Lucas will fill some of the scoring void that these two leave, however there is an emphasis on some of that void. Lucas, who wants to play point, may play more off the ball at Texas than he’d like. If he accepts that role he could be a good compliment to Dogus Balbay, who is more of a pass first guard, and returning point Justin Mason. Texas also has 3 ESPNU top 100 recruits coming in next season. Scouts believe that in-coming freshman Avery Bradley has the tools to become the Horns next big time scorer. I see Lucas being an energy guy, which every team needs. With that said, if he was unhappy at Florida because of his role, I am not sure that he will be completely happy here either. Florida’s Nick Calathes is much more of a shooter then the aforementioned Texas point Balbay and that may suit Lucas’ needs.

Matthew Ryter keeps you up to date on the world of college basketball with his "Ryter's Block" column. What do you think about this story? Post your comments below:

News: Lucas Leaving Florida, Arizona's Withey Denied Release

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:45:05 -0800

A pair of interesting stories were announced this afternoon: Florida sophomore Jai Lucas will transfer, and Arizona freshman center Jeff Withey has been denied his release.

Lucas, who averaged 8.5 ppg last year, will be looking for a program where he's assured to be the feature point guard. He was facing serious pressure from Erving Walker and Ray Shipman for minutes.. not to mention next year's arrival of Kenny Boynton. Lucas has said he will finish the semester in Gainesville.

Withey, a 6-10 freshman, is perhaps the more interesting story, due to the long-running soap opera that Arizona basketball has become. Withey is Arizona's top recruit (at least remaining recruit since Jennings and Negedu have already left), and a player who fills a major void in the middle of the Wildcats lineup. His request to leave the program was denied by UofA athletic director Jim Livengood, who reasoned "I firmly believe, as the letter of intent states, that he needs to stay a full academic year." Withey's status remains unclear at this point, and there's only speculation on what school he may eventually play for (ie, perhaps Louisville where he originally committed, or San Diego State where he grew up.)

Joshua Bone Leaves Southern Illinois

Press Release — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:58:29 -0700

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University men's basketball coach Chris Lowery announced Monday that junior guard Joshua Bone has left the program and plans to transfer at the end of fall semester.

"Josh has been an important part of our program the last two years, and we appreciate everything he's done in a Saluki uniform," Lowery said.

Bone played in every game last season and started 19 games. He was the team's fourth-leading scorer at 8.1 ppg and led the team in 3-point shots made with 57.

The Salukis recently returned from a three-game exhibition trip to Canada, where Bone played 40 minutes and averaged 1.3 ppg.

"I want to thank all of the coaches for recruiting me and giving me an opportunity to play here," Bone said. "There are no hard feelings. After going to Canada, I was unsure what my role would be on this team. I prayed about it, talked it over with my family, and we felt the best decision for me was to go somewhere else."

UMASS Officially Adds Wiggins, Bailey, and Wilcher

Press Release — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:00:30 -0700

AMHERST, Mass. - With classes underway at UMass, Derek Kellogg has set his roster as he begins his first season as the head coach at his alma mater. Kellogg has announced the addition of transfers Hashim Bailey, a 6-10 forward/center, from the University of Memphis and Doug Wiggins, a 6-2 guard from the University of Connecticut. Both players came to UMass with two years of eligibility remaining. Also joining the roster officially is forward Travon Wilcher, a 6-7 Springfield native, who sat out last year to meet academic requirements. Wilcher will be eligible to play this season while Bailey and Wiggins will sit out as redshirt transfers per the NCAA. The Minutemen have started individual workout sessions and will hold an outside workout on Friday at 1 p.m. The sessions will take place at "The Horseshoe" under the Southwest Towers and are open to the public.

Here are profiles of the newcomers to the Maroon & White:

#35 Hashim Bailey
Forward/Center
Junior 6-10 275
Paterson, N.J.
Passaic County Tech/The Patterson School (N.C.)/Memphis

Kellogg on Bailey: "Big City comes to UMass after playing on the high level of basketball at Memphis. He knows what it takes to compete at that level. He can be a big and physical force for us and sitting out this season will give him a chance to get ready to play two years at UMass and be a monster. This season, he will be an important part of the team going up against our starters and showing them what it takes to play at that highest level."

#3 Doug Wiggins
Guard
Junior 6-1 160
East Hartford, Conn.
East Hartford H.S./Connecticut

Kellogg on Wiggins: "Doug has proven he can be successful at the highest level in college basketball. He will come in and provide great leadership even as he sits out this season. He will work to get our starters ready throughout the season and continue to keep himself in shape. We are very excited to welcome him to the program. This season will also help him get acclimated with our style of basketball so he is ready in 2009."

#13 Travon Wilcher
Forward
Freshman 6-7 210
Springfield, Mass.
Springfield Central H.S./Lee Academy (Maine)

Kellogg On Wilcher: "Travon is a very hard-working player and a young man who has paid his dues, sitting out last year. He is ready to make an impact in his first season. He brings unique athleticism and energy. His body-type is perfect for our style of play and he will be able to help us out immediately."

Marist Adds Daye Kaba and Javon Parris

Press Release — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:57:02 -0700

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Marist men's basketball coach Chuck Martin announced to the additions of Daye Kaba and Javon Parris to the team on Friday. Kaba is a transfer from Boston College who will serve his NCAA-mandated year in residency during the 2008-09 season, and then will have two years of eligibility remaining. Parris will have two years of eligibility beginning this season.

Daye Kaba - 6'3" / 215 - Guard - Our Savior New American / Boston College - Ridge, N.Y.

Kaba played two years for Boston College of the Atlantic Coast Conference before transferring to Marist. A native of France, Kaba played in 16 games for the Eagles over the course of the past two seasons.

Martin on Kaba: "I'm really, really excited about Daye Kaba, a kid who comes in with great experience at Boston College of the ACC. I'm really looking forward to working with him this year and getting him out on the floor next year."

Javon Parris - 6'4" / 180 - Guard - Our Savior New American / Barton County CC - Brooklyn, N.Y.

Parris comes to Marist with two years of eligibility remaining. He began his collegiate career at College of Charleston, where he red-shirted the 2005-06 season and played 22 games in the 2006-07 campaign. A Brooklyn native who was born in Guyana, Parris played last season at Barton County Community College in Kansas, where he averaged 11.4 points and 5.4 assists per game. He was named Second Team All-Jayhawk Conference.

Martin on Parris: "Javon could be a blessing in disguise, getting him late. He could surprise some people. We're fortunate to have him."

The Marist men's basketball team will open its 2008-09 season at Rutgers on Friday, Nov. 14 as part of the Garden State Tip-Off Classic.