Kevin Stacom: Big East Portal Mayhem Update - PC, Marquette, St. John’s and More
Kevin Stacom, Sports Analyst
Kevin Stacom: Big East Portal Mayhem Update - PC, Marquette, St. John’s and More
Previously, I broke down five of the Big East teams and the ever-changing roster changes -- portal mayhem.
This week, I break down the remaining six Big East squads.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIf you think all this player movement throughout the Big East is unique, it is not. To illustrate how bizarre it’s been throughout the entire landscape of college basketball, there are five great examples of very successful programs where NO players on this past year's roster will be returning:
- Kentucky
- Auburn
- Texas
- Michigan
- Kansas
#6- Marquette- Unicorn!
I remember studying the stat sheet in the media room right after the December 31st game between Providence College and Marquette at the AMP this past season, as head coach Shaka Smart walked in to conduct his customary post-game presser. It was at that point of the season when Coach Kim English was still doing his best to find some chemistry, some combination of players that might resemble any sign of a consistent, cohesive unit.
Marquette came and basically exposed every weakness that Coach English and his staff were trying to compensate for - his best player holding out the perpetual “I’m feeling good, but not 100%”, nagging injuries to just about every key player, all of the four portal acquisitions struggling to find their rhythm, and trying to blend in a couple of freshman into a very flawed more experienced crew of spare parts.
The halftime score was Marquette 47, PC 20. Final score, 78- 50.
Coach English probably couldn’t help but think to himself, man, it must be nice- after loosing an All-American point guard (Tyler Kolek) to the NBA, there’s a senior like Kam Jones who’s been in your program going on 4 years ready to step in, along with two other seniors, David Joplin, and Stevie Mitchell, and two juniors, Chase Ross, and Ben Gold who all have two things in common They are the five starters and leading scorers for Marquette who all originally enrolled at Marquette and every one of them, elected to stay there to develop and wait their turn for increased opportunities.
The clinic they put on that New Year’s Eve was not an accident but the result of a chemistry and continuity born of a well-constructed roster of guys that have been playing and developing with each other for the last 3 to 4 years
There was not one transfer or portal player on the entire roster, and as of this writing, there are none scheduled to be coming in this year. I think you’d be hard pressed to find another major college program where that is the case.
Coach Smart has explained that over the last four years, he has no serious philosophical issue with the portal system, but as long as he can bring in guys that buy into the idea of developing their games and committing to the program, he will return that loyalty and stay committed to them.
Yes, two players from this year’s team entered the portal, two red-shirted players, 6’9” Soph. Al Amadou, and 6’7” Fr. Luke Jacobson.
But, as reflecting the similar process of the last few years, the bulk of the roster will consist of, believe it or not, nine returning players:
#1-Chase Ross, G, 6’4” 195 lbs Sr(10.5 pts)
#2- Ben Gold, F, 6’11” 220 lbs Sr (7.4 pts)
#3- Royce Parham, So. F, 6’8” 230lbs( 5.1 pts)
#4- Zairde Lowery, Jr., 6’5” 200 lbs (4.1)
#5- Damarius Owens, So. F, 6’7” 200 lbs(2.6 pts)
#6- Tre Norman, Jr, G, 6’4”, 205 lbs (1.9lbs)
#7- Caedin Hamilton, So. F, 6’9” 240lbs
#8- Josh Clark, Fr., F, 7’1” - Redshirt
#9- Sean Jones, Sr, G, 5’10”- Redshirt
These returning players will be joined by the following incoming High School recruits
#1- Nigel James (# 67 ESPN)
#2- Michael Philips (# 95 ESPN)
#3- Adrien Stevens ( # 100 ESPN)
#4- Ian Miletic (3-star)
It will be interesting to see how long this “No Portal Zone” can exist and thrive like they have been able to do so thus far!
It’s no surprise that after last year’s difficult season, there was going to be, like a lot of teams, a seismic shift in the roster composition at Providence College.
When the portal opened on March 22nd, shortly thereafter, six PC players submitted their names. Underneath the player’s name is the new school that he has committed to attend next year:
#1- Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
#2- Jayden Pierre, TCU
#3- Christ Essandoko, University of South Carolina
#4- Justyn Fernandez, University of Delaware
#5- Anton Bonke, UNC Charlotte
#6- Eli DeLaurier, East Carolina U
Jabri Abdur-Rahim is waiting on a potential NCAA medical hardship waiver
Wesley Cardet Jr- Graduated
Bensley Joseph- Graduated
After those six entered the portal and Cardet Jr and Joseph graduated, that leaves, at this point, only four players returning from last year’s roster: Oswin Erhunmwunse, Ryan Mela, Rich Barron, and Nilivan Daniels.
Having recapped the outgoing side of the ledger, Kim English and his staff have successfully secured the commitments of the following players OUT of the portal. Previously, in an article in GoLocalProv published April 13, 2025, I gave a little more detail, a scouting report of the following players, but for the purposes of this league-wide summary, it is a quick list of the newly acquired players and some statistics from the last previous school they competed:
#1- Jason Edwards, Vanderbilt, 6’1” 175 lbs Jr
Atlanta, GA
Last year’s statistics at Vanderbilt
33 games, 25 minutes/game
44% FG’s; 35% 3’s; 83% FT’s; 2 Rebs; 44 assists/ 53 TO’s; 1 steal; 17 points/game
Averaged 19.2 pts/game at North Texas before transferring to Vanderbilt last year. Made the 3rd team all-SEC last year and was the leading scorer(17/game) on the Vanderbilt team that made the NCAA tournament
#2- DaQuan Davis, Florida State, 6’1” 176lbs, Freshman, Baltimore, MD.
31 games; 25.6 minutes/ game
36% FG’s; 28% 3’s; 83% FT’s; 77 assists/ 51 TO’s; 34 steals; 8.8 points/game
Had originally commented to Providence in 2024 before a last-minute switch to FSU
#3- Jaylin Sellers, 6’4”, 205lbs. Senior
UCF (University of Central Florida)
Sustained a back injury at the beginning of his senior year, so these are his stats from his junior year at UCF
33 games; 31 minutes/game
42% FG’s; 30% 3’s; 83% FT’s; 1.1 assists/game; 1.1 steal/game; 15.9 points/game
#4- Cole Hargrove, 6’8”, 250 lbs. Jr.
Junior year statistics from Drexel
33 games; 32 minutes/game
59% FG’s; 21% 3’s; 67% FT’s; 7.5 rebounds; 57 assists; 37 TO’s; 1.8 Blocks; 22 steals; 9.9 points/game
A lively big body to provide some much-needed help up front
#5- Duncan Powell, 6’8”, 235 lbs. Junior
Georgia Tech
Junior year statistics:
33 games; Averaged 29.5 minutes/game
44% FG’s; 35.6% 3’s; 69% FT’s; 5.4 rebounds; 12.2 points/game
NC AT&T, Sacramento State, previous stops prior to Georgia Tech
Had originally committed to Georgetown this year out of the portal, subsequently de-committed from there, and signed with PC Very sought after, brings experience, much needed size, and a good overall skill set to a depleted front court.
The roster for 2025-2026 is now taking shape as these 5 Portal additions, along with the 4/5 remaining players (depending on Abdur-Rahim’s situation), are combined with the two very talented incoming freshmen Jaylen Harrell (4 Star) and Jamier Jones (#43 ESPN).
#8- Seton Hall
Just when you think you had it bad…..and when all the dysfunction, turmoil, chaos that has become the new norm of major College basketball is being discussed, Seton Hall can be brought out as Exhibit A
First of all, their leading scorer and best player, sophomore guard Isaiah Coleman (15.6 pts, 5.3 rebounds), entered the portal and signed to play with Oklahoma State for next year. Eight other players that transferred last year are also gone through that sucking sound of the portal.
Only two players from last year’s roster are slated to return for next season:
Jashseem Felton Fr. G, 6’5” (3.5 pts)
Godswill Erheriene Fr C 6’9” (2.8 pts)
It seems that Seton Hall’s program is in a position to mostly take a flyer on a mid-major player looking to make the jump up to a Big East-level team.
As of now, Seton Hall has secured commitments from the following portal transfers:
#1- Adam Clark, So. G, 5’10”, 155lbs.
Merrimack
19.8 points; 4.5 rebounds; 6.0 assists/game
Only seen on film, but looked very skilled, good handle, decision maker, form looked good, but only 29% from 3
#2-Elijah Fisher, Jr.,G, 6’6” 190 lb.
Pacific
15.7 points; 4.8 rebounds; 1.5 assists/game
#3- T.J. Simpkins, So. G, 6’4” 185 lbs.
Elon University
14.6 points; 3.8 rebounds; 2.9 assists/game
#4- Josh Rivera, Jr. F, 6’7” 200lbs.
Fordham University
10.7 points; 4.3 rebounds; 1.1 assists/game
#5- Stephon Payne 111, Jr. F, 6’9” 210 lbs.
Jacksonville University
8.4 points; 4.0 rebounds; 4 assists/game
#6- A.J. Staton-McCray, Sr. G, 6’5” 190 lbs.
University of Miami
7.3 points; 2.4 rebounds; 1.0 assists/game
Seton Hall also has a Redshirt Freshman expected to return, 7’2” Fr, Assayne Mbaye
Ordinarily in describing the usual mass defections involved with a major college basketball program, which includes the loss of your best player (RJ Luis Jr) and a host of guys(9 total) outbound either through graduation or everyone’s nemesis, The portal, and they account for 60.9 points out of a team’s 78.5 point average, you would assume panic would abound.
It took Rick Pitino only two years after our own Father Shanley hired him to jettison a moribund St. John’s program to a point where, even with the aforementioned variables in play, there is nothing but unbridled optimism to build upon their most successful season in 25 years and their highest ranking in 40 years.
If you took a script to a Hollywood producer which included the characters of a Rick Pitino, and what it took to place himself back in the position he’s in, and the self made Everyman Billionaire, Mike Repole from Queens ( and same HS as yours truly, Holy Cross)- originator of Glaceau and Bodyarmor- indulging in the personal thrill of being able to contribute in resurrecting great boyhood memories of a rockin’ MSG, I’m sure it would most like be rejected for a lack of verisimilitude.
It’s through what these two have created, a program thrust back into the spotlight and the means to lavishly fund it, that St John’s was able to secure one of the highest-rated portal groups in the country:
#1- Bryce Hopkins Sr, F 6’7” 220lbs.
Since this is primarily a local publication, no details are necessary!
#2- Oziyah Sellers, Jr G, 6’5” 185
Last year's statistics at Stanford:
13.7 points; 2.8 rebounds; 1.3 assists
40% from 3 and 90% FTs - addressing two of last year's shortcomings
#3- Jason Sanon Fr G 6’5” 194 lbs
Last year’s statistics from Arizona State:
11.9 points; 3.4 rebounds; 1 assist/game
From Fall River (Durfee HS)
#4- Ian Jackson Fr G, 6’4” 190 lbs.
Last year’s statistics from UNC:
11.9 pts; 2.7 rebounds; 1assist/game
40% on 3’s; #6 ranked prospect out of HS
#5- Dylan Darling, So. G, 6’2” 175 lbs.
Last year’s statistics from Idaho State:
19.8 points; 3.4 rebounds; 5.7 assists/game
Over 85% of FGA’s were 3’s! (36%)
81% FTs; plus PT Guard skills with 2 to 1 assist/ TO ratio- 5.7/2.5
#6- Dillon Mitchell Jr. F, 6’8” 205 lbs.
Last year’s statistics from Cincinnati:
9.9 points; 6.9 rebounds; 1.7 assists
Must be a Pitino high motor type since only
30% from 3 and only 40% FTs!
#7- Handje Tamba Sr. C, 6’11” 230 lbs
Last year’s statistics at Milligan
10.5 points; 8.9 rebounds; 1.7 Blocks/game
Started at UT, then Weber St.
From the Republic of the Congo
Should be able to back up or play alongside returning 6’9” Center/PF Zuby Ejiofor
In addition to this abundance of riches, St John’s was able to acquire local LaSalle HS product, Zuccolo center veteran, Kevin Odih, 6’4” 190lb. G, after he decommitted from West Virginia when the coach, Darian DeVries left to take the Indiana job.
Pitino also reached into the Euroleague to sign Imran Suljanovic, a 6’5” 19-year-old wing from Austria, who’s already played in Austria, Croatia, Italy, and Serbia, and also the Austrian National team between 2024-2025
I haven’t seen anything on him, but I’d be willing to bet he can make 3’s!
Even after losing nine players from last year’s historic team, it’s safe to say St John’s will once again be more than competitive.
#10 - Villanova
It’s never, of course, easy to replace a legend. Jay Wright was the Villanova head coach from 2001- 2022, a span of 21 seasons, in which Villanova appeared in 16 NCAA Tournaments, made 4 Final Fours, and won two National Titles. On top of that, Philadelphia has always historically been a basketball-obsessed town.
As an example of how razor thin the line between success and failure can be in such a pressure cooker as the Big East, the Villanova team this past year had 21 wins(21-15) and an over 500 record in the Big East (11-9) That used to be enough to get you in the Tournament and keep all the wolves at bay No longer with the new metrics in play and a couple of untimely losses (like they had up in Providence Feb. 15th 75-62), and all of a sudden at the end of the year the Coach, Kyle Neptune is fired and on a roster this year that listed 12 active players only one is slated as of now to return next season- Tyler Perkins, a 6’4” 195lb So. g, who averaged 6.3 pts/game.
In fairness, it was a heavily laden senior team (7), but the only other player in the program that is scheduled to return other than Perkins is a redshirt freshman, 6’8” F, Matthew Hodge.
Listed below is a list of players that the new coach, Kevin Willard, will have at his disposal to begin his quest to return Villanova to its relatively recent past glory.
Having the new Pope as a Villanova graduate might come in handy!
#1- Devin Askew, Sr. G, 6’3” 198lb.
Last year at Long Beach State:
18.9 points; 4.6 Rebounds; 4.5 assists/game
Highly ranked out of Bay Area Mater Dei HS (28)
#2- Bryce Lindsay, So G, 6’3” 190 lbs
Last year at James Madison:
13.4 points; 2.8 rebounds; 2.2 assists/game
75% of FGA’s are 3’s and makes 41%, also 85% FT’s - obviously a shooter!
Baltimore kid
#3- Duke Brennan, Jr. F, 6’10” 235 lbs.
Last year at Grand Canyon:
10.4 points; 9.2 rebounds; .5 assists/game
#4- Zion Stanford, So G, 6’5” 195 lbs.
Last year at Temple:
13.1 points; 4.5 rebounds; 2.1 assists/game
#5- Malachi Palmer, Fr G, 6’6” 212 lbs
Last year at Maryland:
1.6 points; 1.4 rebounds
Only played 8.4 minutes/game
#6- Braden Pierce, So 7’0”, 230 lbs.
Last year at Maryland:
Used sparingly, only appears in 5 games
2.4 points; 2.4 rebounds
IMG Academy graduate (FL)
#7- Malcolm Flynn, So. G, 6’6”
Last year at Grand Canyon:
Must have sat out - not listed on active roster
The above listed Portal entries will be joined by as of now 2 highly recruited HS entries:
Chris Jeffrey, 6’3” 200 lb G from Mt. Zion Prep
Acaden Lewis. 6’2” 170 lbs G from Sidwell Friends School, DC
Decommitted from Kentucky, switched to Villanova
#11 - Xavier
Xavier’s basketball program has suffered much of the same turmoil that many of the aforementioned Big East teams have experienced this year, with the added destabilizing aspect of a very experienced and successful head coach, Sean Miller, leaving for Texas. Whatever continuity might have existed gets obliterated as the coach departs.
Incoming head coach Richard Pitino will have to call upon all of his HOF father's turnaround skills and magic, as about the entire remaining Xavier roster headed for the portal door right after the season ended. That list of departures included:
Zach Freemantle (16.8 pts)
Ryan Conwell (16.5pts)
Dailyn Swain (11.0 pts)
Dayvion McKnight (9.6)
Marcus Foster (7.9 pts)
Dante Maddox Jr (7.3 pts)
Jerome Hunter (5.8 pts )
Grey Green (5.0 pts)
Richard Pitino has been a solid recruiter at his last two stops at Minnesota and New Mexico, and he, like his father, is familiar with rebuilding situations.
The following are Xavier’s portal acquisitions, which seem to be reliant, for the most part, on mid-major players coming up a notch:
#1- All Wright, Fr, G, 6’3” 190 lbs
Last season at Valparaiso:
15.5 points; 2.2 rebounds; 2.4 assists/game
If he has the same sense of humor that his parents had in naming him, he should be a great locker room guy
#2- Gabriel Pozzato, Fr. F, 6’7” Rome Italy
Last year at Evansville:
14.9 points; 4.4 rebounds; 1.3 assists/game
#3- Malik Moore, So G, 6’5” 185 lbs.
Last year at Montana:
12.6 points; 3.2 rebounds; 2.4 assists/game
#4- Tre Carroll, Jr F, 6’7” 227 lbs.
Last year at Florida Atlantic:
12.2 points; 5.2 rebounds; 1.6 assists/game
#5- Isaiah Walker Jr G 6’5” 185 lbs.
Last year at Belmont:
10.8 points; 5.8 rebounds; 2.2 assists/game
#6- Anthony Robinson, Fr. F, 6’10” 238 lbs.
Last year at Virginia:
3.6 points; 2.4 rebounds; .1 assists/game
#7- Pape N’Diaye Fr F, 7’0” 220 lbs.
Last year at UNLV:
2.7 points; 3.7 rebounds; 1.1 Blocks/game
#8- Filip Borovicanin, Jr F, 6’9” 185 lbs.
Last year at New Mexico:
5.9 points; 4.6 rebounds; 1.1 assists/game
#9- Jovan Milicevic, Fr F, 6’10”, 240lbs.
Last year at New Mexico:
3.9 points; 2.0 rebounds; .4 assists/game
Looking over his NCAA team from last year at New Mexico, almost half the roster was comprised of international players. That kind of creativity and those contacts should serve him well as he works to establish his new regime at Xavier.
Stay tuned, something will change tomorrow.