News Summary
The WKU men’s basketball program is undergoing significant changes as several key players enter the NCAA transfer portal following the conclusion of the season. Freshman guard Julius Thedford, leading scorer Don McHenry, and other notable players like Babacar Faye and Braxton Bayless are seeking new opportunities. This unexpected turnover has fans eager to see how the program will adapt and who might fill the gaps left by these departing athletes. The developments promise to reshape the future of WKU basketball as new talent emerges.
Bowling Green Buzz: WKU Men’s Basketball Faces Major Changes
Bowling Green is abuzz with news from the Western Kentucky University (WKU) men’s basketball program as several players have decided to explore new opportunities through the NCAA transfer portal. With the portal officially opening on March 24, 2025, it’s no surprise to see some big names making the jump.
First to Jump: Thedford and Kalambay
Freshman guard Julius Thedford was the very first WKU player to enter the transfer portal. This came right on the heels of the season’s conclusion, kicking off what is sure to be an interesting offseason. Joining Thedford on that first day was Enoch Kalambay, who had a rollercoaster season. After missing part of the regular season, he made a comeback for the final games and showed his potential by starting in 14 of the 28 games he participated in. Kalambay ended his season averaging an impressive 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
The Big Loss: McHenry Heads Out
The next day, on March 25, the news got even bigger with leading scorer Don McHenry making headlines. The 2024 Conference USA MVP entered the portal following a fantastic season where he finished as the fifth-leading scorer in Conference USA, averaging 17 points per game. This leaves a significant hole in the team’s performance as he was a standout player for two consecutive seasons. Fans will undoubtedly be keeping their eyes peeled for where he lands next.
A Tough Break for Faye
Then, on March 26, another key player, Babacar Faye, announced his decision to enter the portal. Faye had a rough go of it this season due to a knee injury but still managed to make a mark by averaging 15.2 points and leading the team with an impressive 7.8 rebounds per game. In the season opener, he even posted a career-high of 28 points and had several double-digit scoring games before his injury. The loss of Faye will be felt, especially with his ability to dominate the boards.
More Departures: Marshall Jr. and Diagne
On April 1, two more players decided to make the move. Tyrone Marshall Jr. entered the transfer portal, having had a solid season himself with 10.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, starting 29 out of 32 games. His contributions saw him averaging nearly 29 minutes of play per game, making him an invaluable player on the roster. Alongside him was Fallou Diagne, who, despite battling injuries throughout his three years at WKU, is seeking a fresh start after only making limited appearances this past season.
Final Sign-Off: Bayless Exits
Finally, on April 7, graduate guard Braxton Bayless joined the ranks of those entering the portal. Bayless had been a crucial player this season, appearing in 32 games with 21 starts, and averaging 7.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He led the team in assists, showcasing his ability to create plays and support his dynamic teammates. His departure leaves fans questioning how the team will shape up going forward.
Next Steps for WKU Basketball
As we look ahead, these changes certainly open up new chapters for both the players and WKU’s men’s basketball program. With all these talented individuals entering the portal, it’s clear that opportunities await. For the fans and followers of WKU, this development promises to bring excitement, new talent, and a chance to reshape the future. Keep an eye on the transfer portal as these stories continue to unfold!
Stay tuned as the WKU men’s basketball team navigates this transition period and look out for updates on player movements in the coming weeks.
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Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Hilltopper Basketball Signs North Texas Transfer Grant Newell
- WBKO: Hilltopper Basketball Transfer Portal Update
- CBS Sports: Kentucky Basketball Transfer Portal News
- SI: Maryland Basketball in Contact with WKU Leading Scorer
- Kentucky.com: UK Basketball Men News
- Wikipedia: NCAA Transfer Portal
- Google Search: WKU Basketball
- Google Scholar: WKU Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WKU
- Google News: WKU Basketball
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