In a significant development for Washington State basketball, Tomas Thrastarson has decided to enter the transfer portal. This move, confirmed by sources familiar with the situation, adds another layer to the evolving roster dynamics for the Cougars. Thrastarson, standing at 6-7 and weighing 215 pounds, hails from Thorlakshofn, Iceland, and has two years of eligibility left, with the possibility of a third if he secures a medical redshirt for this past season.
Thrastarson's season was marred by a stress fracture in his foot, causing him to miss 13 games. Despite the setback, he managed to average 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages of 44% from the field and 29% from beyond the arc. The injury clearly impacted his performance in the five games he played post-recovery, as he struggled to regain his form.
However, what truly set Thrastarson apart was his relentless grit on the court. Known for his willingness to engage in the less glamorous aspects of the game, he was a force on the boards, diving for loose balls and bringing a level of physicality that the Cougars have sorely missed. His absence will leave a noticeable gap in this regard.
In his previous season, Thrastarson played in 31 games, starting 11, and averaged 4.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. He also showcased his shot-blocking ability, shooting an impressive 57% from the field and 41% from three-point range, numbers that were not replicated this year.
Thrastarson is the fifth Cougar to announce plans to enter the transfer portal this spring, following teammates Parker Gerrits, Eemeli Yalaho, Kase Wynott, and Emmanuel Ugbo, the latter of whom was unlikely to return after a season-ending suspension. With point guard Adria Rodriguez turning pro, WSU now faces the task of filling six roster spots.
Additionally, Simon Hildebrandt has exhausted his eligibility and signed with a Canadian pro team, while Casey Jones is set to rejoin the squad with plans to redshirt. The futures of players like Ace Glass, ND Okafor, Rihards Vavers, Jerone Morton, Dominik Robinson, Brunel Madzou, and Dio Blakely remain undecided, adding further uncertainty to the team's composition.
Even with potential returns, the Cougars are bracing for a significant roster overhaul following a challenging 12-20 season. While such changes can be daunting, they also present opportunities for rejuvenation and growth. However, replacing Thrastarson's tenacity and hustle will be no small task, as those qualities are often the unsung heroes that don't make it onto the stat sheet.