Transfer Portal Shake-Up: Kent State Men’s Basketball Team Loses Key Players
The Kent State men's basketball team faces a challenging off-season as several key players enter the transfer portal, including VonCameron Davis, Jalen Sullinger, Reggie Bass, and LA Hayes.
The Departure of Key Players
As the dust settles on the Kent State men's basketball team's season, a new storm is brewing in the form of key players opting to enter the transfer portal. Among those departing are redshirt junior forward VonCameron Davis, junior guard Jalen Sullinger, sophomore guard Reggie Bass, and freshman guard LA Hayes. These departures have left a significant void in Coach Rob Senderoff's lineup, with Davis and Sullinger serving as starters and Bass providing valuable contributions off the bench. Hayes, although a freshman with limited playing time, showed promise in his brief appearances on the court.
Davis, in particular, had a standout junior season, averaging 13.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. His performance in the Mid-American Conference tournament was nothing short of remarkable, with an average of 18 points and eight rebounds over a three-game stretch that saw Kent State reach the championship game. Davis's versatility as a forward who can score, rebound, and defend makes him a sought-after prospect for other programs.
Sullinger, the recipient of the MAC Sixth Man of the Year award, played an essential role for the Flashes this season, averaging 15.4 points per game while showcasing his sharpshooting ability with 83 three-pointers at a 40% rate. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in Kent State's offense, as he looks to bring his shooting prowess to a new team next season.
Reggie Bass's Transfer Saga
Reggie Bass finds himself on a journey to his third team in three years after entering the transfer portal. His college career began with earning the MAC Freshman of the Year award at Central Michigan before transferring to Kent State. Despite some ups and downs in his performance this season, Bass still managed to showcase his offensive talent, averaging 8.7 points per game and demonstrating his ability to get to the free-throw line effectively. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined him during the MAC tournament run, leading him to seek a new program where he can flourish and contribute positively.
LA Hayes, the youngest of the departing players, showed glimpses of his potential in limited playing time during his freshman year. His standout performance against Shawnee State, where he scored nine points alongside four assists and four steals, hints at a bright future ahead. With a possible landing spot at Duquesne under his former high school coach Dru Joyce II, Hayes has an opportunity to further develop his skills and make an impact at his new team.
Around the MAC: Transfer Portal Activity
The transfer portal frenzy isn't unique to Kent State, as several other MAC teams have seen notable players enter the portal seeking new opportunities:
- Bowling Green guard Marcus Hill (20.5 ppg)
- Buffalo forward Isaiah Adams (12.8 ppg)
- Central Michigan center Markus Harding (10.2 ppg)
- Eastern Michigan guard Tyson Acuff (21.7 ppg) committed to Rutgers
- Toledo guard Dante Maddox Jr. (15.6 ppg)
While some teams like Western Michigan, Akron, and Ohio have remained untouched by the transfer portal wave, others are feeling the impact of key departures that will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of MAC basketball in the upcoming season.
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