Let's dive into the latest buzz surrounding Washington State sports, where the transfer portal is heating up with some intriguing moves. Kase Wynott, a sophomore guard standing at 6-6 and weighing 210 pounds, is set to enter the transfer portal.
This news follows closely on the heels of forward Eemeli Yalaho's decision to do the same. The portal officially opens on April 7, and it looks like WSU is bracing for some roster shake-ups.
Wynott, hailing from Lapwai, Idaho, showed flashes of his potential early this season before an injury sidelined him in late November. In his brief five-game stint, he managed to put up 20 points, snag two rebounds, and dish out an assist. It's likely he'll receive a medical redshirt, giving him a chance to bounce back stronger.
Coming out of high school, Wynott was nothing short of a sensation. He nearly averaged a triple-double with eye-popping stats: 35.9 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. Last year, he saw action in 24 games for WSU, averaging 13.4 minutes, 1.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.
With Wynott and Yalaho expected to move on, and point guard Adria Rodriguez turning pro, WSU finds itself with five open roster spots. This number could fluctuate depending on Simon Hildebrandt's decision about another year of eligibility and the potential return of Casey Jones from a mission.
There's a glimmer of hope for Wynott to follow in the footsteps of Dylan Darling, another local standout who found his rhythm after transferring. Darling, after a stint at Idaho State where he earned Big Sky Player of the Year, moved to St. John’s and recently hit a buzzer-beater to send his team to the Sweet 16.
Switching gears to the baseball diamond, WSU's Matt Priest has been named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week. This marks the second time a Cougar has snagged the honor this season, with Alexandre Giguere previously earning it after a three-homer week.
Priest, a 6-0, 200-pound outfielder from San Diego, transferred from USC and has been making waves. In a recent four-game stretch, he went 5-for-18, drove in four runs, scored two, and showcased his power with a triple and a homer. His current stats include a .245 batting average and a .739 OPS.
On the gridiron, the UFL kicks off this week, and several former Cougars are suiting up. Wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. and defensive end Ron Stone Jr. join the Columbus Aviators, while kicker Colton Theaker and cornerback Armani Marsh are with the Dallas Renegades. Keep an eye on these players as they look to make their mark in the league.
As the transfer portal opens and seasons progress, WSU fans have plenty to watch and cheer for across multiple sports. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories unfold.