It’s that time of year again, it’s Portal SZN! Like it or not the transfer portal has changed the game with 2,030 student athletes entering last season and if anything, that number probably goes higher this year.
This year the rules have changed quite a bit. Last season the spring transfer window ran from March 24th to May 1st. This year the portal will open the day after the National Championship game, April 7th, and run until April 21st. It’s important to note that this is the window players have to enter, not when they have to pick a school.
Another important rule, especially for Friar fans, to note is one dealing with a coach being terminated. When a coach is terminated, once the new coach is named the players on the team have 5 days to meet with the new staff before a 15-day special window will open for those players. So, with Bryan Hodgson being named as PC’s next coach on March 22nd that means March 27th a 15-day window will opened for the Friars roster. Thus far we have seen Ryan Mela return to the Friars; however, Jamier Jones, Oswin Erhunmwunse, Stefan Vaaks, Daquan Davis, Richard Barron, and Nilivan Daniels have all entered the portal.
Speaking of Bryan Hodgson, given the fact thus far only one Friar intends to return it looks like the coach and his staff will be looking to the portal to totally overhaul the entire roster. So, as we do every year at The Providence Crier our portal primer will be your one stop shop for all Friar related transfer portal news. We will have a bit broken down into sections of those who become Friars, guys we have heard PC is linked to and other guys whom we haven’t heard them linked to but would like to pursue. This piece, like always, will be updated as more news becomes available, enjoy!
OFFICIALLY FRIARS
Miles Byrd
Miles Byrd is a versatile wing that has played at San Diego State. He has been 2nd and 3rd team all-Mountain West these past two seasons , has been on the Mountain West all-defensive team the past two years and this past season took home Mountain West DPOY. He also is apparently deciding on Thursday 4/9 and his list includes PC. Sounds like you guys like defense huh? UPDATE: 4/9- Miles Byrd Commits to PC
Gavin Hightower
Hightower was the most recent USF Bull to enter the transfer portal. Hightower was a freshman guard that came on strong towards the end of the year for USF. He originally committed to Iona under Tobin Anderson, so he may follow him to Tennessee Tech. He scored 12 points and had 4 steals in the tournament game against Louisville. Update 4/11- Gavin Hightower has committed to Providence
Devin Vanterpool
Vanterpool has had a busy first two days in the transfer portal, with Zoom meetings with several schools already. The muscular guard will have his pick of schools, but I’d watch for schools in the DMV/Tri-State/New England area as his father works for the Washington Wizards. UPDATE- Devin Vanterpool committed to Providence
Ryan Sabol
Ryan Sabol is a guard who started 87 games over the past three years for the University of Buffalo. He earned third team all-MAC honors and was 7th in the nation in three pointers made. UPDATE: Ryan Sabol committed to Providence
Samson Aletan
Samson Aletan is the highest rated recruit to ever attend Yale. He has graduated in three years and will enter the portal as a graduate transfer. UPDATE: Samson Aletan committed to Providence
Arrinten Page
Arrinten Page will be on his fourth team in four years after previously playing for USC, Cincinnati and Northwestern. This past season he broke out in a much larger role with the Wildcats. He had 22 points in a win over DePaul this past November. UPDATE: Arrinten Page committed to Providence
Malik Mack
You heard whispers that this could come a reality but the fact the Friars landed the Hoya guard was certainly a surprise. Mack improved his 2pt finishing but saw the 3pt percentage dip. The turnovers also can be an issue but the kid can score it and dish it. A good add for the Friars squad looking for a lead guard.
USF PORTAL PLAYERS
When Bryan Hodgson first took the job, he was asked about whether he’d have some of his University of South Florida players travel north with him to Providence. At the time he couldn’t comment on players who had yet to enter the portal per NCA rules. Since then, we have seen several USF Bulls enter the portal. We would have to surmise that Hodgson would bring one or several USF players that entered the portal, so we have taken a look at each.
Wes Enis
Wes Enis led the Bulls in scoring this past season and was the Most Outstanding Player in the AAC Tournament. Enis entered the portal with a “Do Not Contact” designation indicating he may have a good idea of where he plans on going next season. If Enis follows Hodgson to PC he would give the Friars a two-guard who can really score the basketball and at times can be a pest on defense. He is rated the #11 best player in the portal per Evan Miya. Update- Wes Enis committed to Creighton
CJ Brown
CJ Brown was the leading assist man for the Bulls this past season. Brown’s efficiency isn’t great but clearly he is playmaker and would still have two seasons of eligibility at PC. PC hasn’t had a pass first guard in what feels like awhile. CJ would be just that. Update- CJ Brown committed to High Point
De’ante Green
Hodgson inherited Green when he took over at USF. The 6-9 forward transferred to USF from FSU in 2024 and posted 6.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg. That season would be cut short due to a torn Achilles and he took a medical redshirt this past season. It remains to be seen if Hodgson would bring him over for his last year of eligibility.
Xavier Brown
Xavier Brown was a part of Bryan Hodgson’s portal haul when he took over at USF last year. Brown came over from James Madison where he started 30/32 games for the Dukes averaging 10.7 PPG. This past year though Brown only appeared in three games due to injury.
Caleb Sanders
Sanders was originally committed to UL-Lafayette but then reopened his commitment in May of 2025. He had offers from Mississippi St and FSU before the three-star prospect from Tampa committed to Hodgson and the Bulls. He had 12 points in a win against Coppin State but played sparingly the rest of the season. Update: Caleb Sanders committed to Tennessee Tech
Onyx Nani
Onyx Nnani was a 4-star recruit out of high school that committed to Bryan Hodgson when Hodgson was at Arkansas State. When Hodgson moved to USF Nnani followed him, but only appeared in 1 game this past season before redshirting. At 6-9 Onyx is described as a point forward and held offers from the likes of Washington, Oregon, Kansas St, Oklahoma St, and Penn St. Nnani was also a part of the Canada’s U19 squad averaging 7.7 PPG and 5 RPG in the 2025 World Cup. Update: Onyx Nnani committed to Bryant
Adriel Nyorha
Nyorha had a similar path to USF as Onyx did, originally committing Arkansas St before following Hodgson to USF. The Canadian guard was a three-star prospect but had offers from St. Louis, DePaul, Mississippi St, and Arizona St. Adriel was also teammates with Onyx in the 2025 U19 World Cup averaging 8 PPG and 4.3 APG.
Tristan Beckford
It seems Bryan Hodgson was a fan of the 2025 Canadian U19 national team. Tristan Beckford, like Onyx Nnani and Adriel Nyhora, committed to Arkansas St before following Hodgson to USF. Beckford averaged 11 PPG for his country in the World Cup including a 16-point, 6 rebound, and 3 assist performance in a loss to Team USA in the quarter finals. Beckford appeared in 21 games for the Bulls including one start. Update- Tristan Beckford committed to Oklahoma St
PLAYERS LINKED TO PC
Kobi Williams
Providence is listed as a school of interest with about 10 other high majors. Until we hear otherwise, I’ll assume this is just preliminary interest and not too serious. Given who else we are involved with, I’m not sure there’s a fit or need, but that is always subject to change.
Bryce Lindsay
Providence finally the beneficiary of Big East on Big East crime? If you recall, there were rumors of Lindsay being a Friar early in the portal period last year, but apparently he wanted a guarantee at a starting spot, and we wouldn’t provide that. This is all second-hand information, but maybe he still has an affinity for Friartown? He’s trying to be part of the prestigious 4 schools in 4 years club. Update: Bryce Lindsay committed to IU
Del Jones
Not sure I see a huge fit here, but we’ll monitor regardless. Update: Del Jones committed to Seton Hall
Matthew Gray
Bryan Hodgson found great success with getting Wes Enis from Division II. Matthew Gray, who plays for DII Davis and Elkins, is a wing who averaged 17.3 PPG and nearly 5 APG. It wouldn’t shock me at all if Hodgson added a player from Division II. No, Wes Enis does not count.
Isaac Celiscar
The junior to be exploded onto the scene as a sophomore for Yale. He started every game for the Bulldogs and was uber efficient from the floor, averaging 57% and 41% from 3. He is a big bodied wing/undersized 4 that would be a good fit alongside Mela at the 3/4. There are a host of schools pursuing Celiscar. Update: Isaac Celiscar committed to Baylor
Aiden Sherrell
Sherrell is potentially one of Providence’s top options at center. The 6’10 big bodied center put up great stats his sophomore year as a first time starter, so I’m curious about the decision to transfer. The Michigan native has been in talks with Michigan and Michigan State, so PC has some work to do here. Update: Aiden Sherrell committed to IU
Alex Wilkins
Wilkins was an under-recruited guard from Massachusetts who played for the exploding Middlesex Magic AAU program, just like Ryan Mela. Wilkins was incredible at Furman, averaging 18 points and 5 assists while being 46% from the floor. If PC fans are looking for size at guard, this is your guy. Update: Alex Wilkins committed to Kentucky
Koree Cotton
The UTRGV guard listed Providence alongside some other high major schools. I was surprised to see his name listed with Providence interest, and this is one I’ll admittedly be just casually watching. Until proven otherwise, I may chalk this one up to “PC made initial contact” and nothing further. Update: Koree Cotton commuted to DePaul
Joel Foxwell
The Aussie guard had an explosive freshman year for Portland, averaging 16, 7, and 4. He was first team All-WCC, and I’m sure there will be a plethora of high majors pursuing him. I expect some clarity on the lead guard spot for Providence over the next few days, but I would instantly sign up for this kid as a rotational guard piece. Update- Joel Foxwell committed to ASU
Colby Garland
Garland averaged 20 points per game and was Third Team All Mountain West. He will have a hefty list of suitors looking to add more offensive firepower.
Jerald Colonel
Jerald Colonel is an athletic defensive oriented big man who played 2 years in JUCO at Chipola College before landing at Northwestern St and spending this past season with Stephen F Austin. Last season he was the Southland Defensive Player of the Year averaging 7.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. He will have a Zoom meeting with PC, so the interest is there.
Jayden Reid
Interestingly enough Jayden Reid was a potential player that Hodgson could inherit at USF last season but instead he transferred to Northwestern. The diminutive guard took a little bit of a decreased role in minutes but he started 28-of-34 games for the Wildcats and had a career high 5 assists per game.
PLAYERS PC SHOULD PURSUE
Flory Bidunga
Who wouldn’t want Flory Bidunga? The sophomore from the Congo made a jump from freshman to sophomore year at Kansas. He has great combination of size and long arms and uses it to be a threat in the paint, a force on the glass with rebounding and shot blocking. Unfortunately, Bidugna might be the best player in the portal or at the very least should go down as the best big man in the portal so he should have plenty of suitors. Update: 4/12- Flory Bidunga committed to Louisville
Somto Cyril
There once was a world when the Friars were angling to have both Oswin and Somto on the same team. That never panned out as Cyril committed to Kentucky first before ultimately ending up at Georgia these past two seasons. Cyril is a superb leaper, and his length makes him an excellent shot blocker and lob threat. Hodgson is known for having athletic big men and Somto would certainly fit the bill. Update- Somto Cyril committed to Miami
Neoklis Avdalis
Friar fans are awfully familiar with this name, as Neoklis Avdalas lit up the Friars for 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists when PC played the Hokies at Mohegan Sun earlier this season. Avdalas’ efficiency dropped as the rest of the season went on after that stellar performance, but Avdalas still has serious skill. Also at 6-9 with guard skills, he is not a liability on the defensive end either. Update- Neoklis Avdalas committed to UNC
Bryson Tiller
Darryn Peterson might’ve gotten all the attention, but he wasn’t the only 5-star freshman at KU. Tiller had a solid season in Lawrence, KS but didn’t break out like some of the other freshman around the country this season. PF is a glaring need (so is an entire roster) and who wouldn’t want a former 5-star prospect with three years of eligibility left? Update: Bryson Tiller committed to Mizzou
Sananda Fru
Fru is a very skilled power forward that played at Louisville this past season, coming from Basketball Lowen Braunschweig in the German Basketball Bundesliga. Louisville plays an up and down style of play similarly to USF. Fru had a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double with two blocks against Hodgson’s squad in the Round of 64 in the NCAAT. Update: Sananda Fru committed to Marquette
JP Estrella
Not so sure about the playing style fit here for the Friars, but Estrella was AAU teammates with Ryan Mela on the Middlesex Magic. Estrella appears to also be a winning player, playing a key role on a Tennessee squad that made it to the Elite 8. Friar fans are desperate to see some winning players. Update: 4/9- JP Estrella commits to Michigan
Mouhamed Dioubate
Dioubate is a guy the Friars have been after in the portal before, and he has a connection to the new PC coaching staff. Bryan Hodgson was the lead recruiter to help bring Dioubate to Alabama before he left for Arkansas State. We shall see if Hodgson pursues him once again.
Taylor Bol Bowen
Could Bryan Hodgson bring in a guy who played for his mentor Nate Oats this past season? Bol Bowen is from New England and the Friars were in the mix in prior recruitments of Bol Bowen out of high school and in the transfer portal.
Kayden Mingo
The 6’3 sophomore to be was arguably the best player for Penn State last year in a dismal season. Mingo is a plus sized guard that would be a good fit for PC. Additionally, it could help sway his brother Dylan Mingo, a 5 star in the 2026 class, to partner with him in college for at least one year. His younger brother is plus sized guard too. Update: Kayden Mingo committed to Baylor
Mister Dean
As soon as we heard Mister Dean would be entering the portal we knew we just couldn’t not include him in this year’s primer. An all-name team captain Mister Dean has good size and explosive athleticism. However, he only shot 24% from three on very few attempts, probably not made for Hodgson ball.
To be clear, there is zero linkage to Providence nor do we have any indication he can play at the Big East level. We just love his name. That alone is worth a scholarship. Update: Mister Dean committed to UCF
Tylik “Bully” Weeks
Could Hodgson go after the first team All-Sun Belt forward? Weeks exploded onto the scene after two years in JUCO. Hodgson is very familiar with JUCO, as he was a coach at that level prior to hitching on with Nate Oats at Buffalo. Bully Weeks is super athletic and can get to the rim. Another all-name team.