Saturday, April 20, 2024

What's Up In The Missouri Valley 4/20/2024

College basketball transfer portal chock full of area players--Chicago Sun-Times

Robbie Avila, Oak Forest (Indiana State)

The 6-10 Avila emerged as a major figure in college basketball as a result of his game, unique style and production. His whopping numbers for a team that reached the championship game of the NIT have high-major programs lining up for his services. He averaged 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and over four assists per game. For good measure he’s a big man who can space the floor, dropping in 61 three-pointers this past season.

NJ Benson, Mt. Vernon (Missouri State)

The 6-8, 230-pound multifaceted big man is headed to DePaul. He really came on late this past season as a sophomore at Missouri State, averaging 11.9 points and 10.3 rebounds a game over his final nine games.

Conor Enright, Mundelein (Drake)

The point guard who helped Drake to the NCAA Tournament this past season entered the portal when coach Darren DeVries left Drake for West Virginia. Now he’s coming home to play at DePaul.

The numbers aren’t huge — Enright averaged 6.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists a game — but he’s a perfect culture fit for first-year Blue Demons coach Chris Holtmann with his toughness and competitive spirit.

CJ Jones, East St. Louis (UIC)

The 6-5 guard has two years of eligibility remaining after starting the past two seasons at UIC. This past year as a sophomore he averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game for the Flames.

Jayson Kent, Oak Forest (Indiana State)

Kent spent four years in the Missouri Valley Conference — two years at Bradley and two at Indiana State. The versatile 6-7 Kent played his best basketball at the end of the season while the Sycamores made their NIT run. He finished the year averaging 13.5 points and 8.1 rebounds a game and is now a hot commodity in the portal among high-major programs.

Isaiah Rivera, Geneseo (UIC)

Following three seasons at Colorado State, the 6-5 Rivera spent this past season at UIC where he put up some impressive numbers: 15.4 points and 4.2 rebounds a game. Rivera has committed and will play his final season at DePaul.


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Meet Ben McCollum's coaching staff for Drake basketball--Des Moines Register


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Indiana State transfer guard Ryan Conwell commits to Xavier Musketeers--Cincinnati Enquirer
Conwell commits to Xavier, Gray stays; UNO coach to join Graves' staff--Terre Haute Tribune-Star


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Martin Bolsters Men's Basketball Roster with Three Signees--missouristatebears.com


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News | Women's Basketball Flashback Friday: Signee Mia Gaines--siusalukis.com


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Shaw bringing Drew legacy back to Valparaiso--The Victory Bell
The Brothers Schwieger--The Victory Bell
Devon Ellis Joins Valpo Men’s Basketball Program--valpoathletics.com