Spelling out the transfer portal: who’s in & who’s out
Andersen Pickard / Thresher
Five players from the men’s basketball program entered the transfer portal since head coach Scott Pera’s dismissal March 14. The group of potential transfers is headlined by freshman forward Keanu Dawes, a former four-star recruit, and sophomore guard Mekhi Mason, who has reportedly engaged in conversations with at least a dozen Power 5 programs. Other transfers include sophomore forward Andrew Akuchie, junior guard Cameron Sheffield and sophomore guard Camp Wagner.
The transfer portal allows Division I athletes to explore opportunities at other schools. As of August 2022, the NCAA allows basketball players to activate their 60-day transfer window following the championship selection. They may return to their previous school if the program welcomes them back, if they fail to receive interest or find the right fit for them. New head basketball coach Rob Lanier has left the door open for all five players to return to Rice if they share his vision for the program’s future.
“If you’ve bought in, you’re one of us,” Lanier said during his introductory press conference. “If you’re not about that, we’re going to help you move on because you don’t fit.”
Amidst the potential losses, Rice has already gained one new player. Emory Lanier, Rob Lanier’s son, transferred from Southern Methodist University after his father accepted his new position at Rice.
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