Post by sdaztec4life on Mar 25, 2024 22:10:43 GMT -8
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/story/2024-03-25/uc-san-diego-ucsd-tritons-basketball-leading-scorer-bryce-pope-transfer-portal-francis-nwaokorie-wayne-mckinney-deuce-turner-usd
UT ZEIGLER:
Bryce Pope, a 6-foot-3 guard from Torrey Pines High School who averaged 18.6 points per game and was a first team all-Big West selection, is definitely gone for his final season of eligibility. Francis Nwaokorie, a 6-7 junior forward from Minnesota who averaged 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in his three seasons, has left open the door to returning.
“It’s a tough decision,” said Pope, who redshirted as a freshman, played four years and has one left from the pandemic. “This is my fifth year at UCSD. I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot. I’m glad to have helped lead the team to new heights this year. I feel like I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do at UCSD, and (I have) that opportunity to play at potentially a power conference school and everything that comes with that and move up the ranks and see where I can go.”
Pope is on track to complete an undergraduate degree in real estate and development this June. He’ll pursue a graduate program in finance or business.
Would he consider a trip across town to San Diego State?
“Definitely,” said Pope, who has started 104 collegiate games. “Growing up in San Diego, that’s the team that every kid wants to play for. I’d definitely consider that, for sure.”
For UCSD, it is the fifth straight season a top player has transferred out of the program. In 2020, it was guard Tyrell Roberts (19.2 points) to Washington State. In 2021, guard Mikey Howell (6.0 assists) to Illinois State. In 2022, post Toni Rocak (15.1 points) to USF. In 2023, guard Roddie Anderson III (13.1 points) to Boise State.
Pope admitted he heard from potential suitors during the season and already from 20-plus programs since his decision to enter the portal hit social media Monday morning.
“Guys have to do what’s best for them,” Pope said about the NCAA’s relaxed transfer rules and exploding NIL offers, “and our coaches have been understanding of guys wanting to move on and play at a bigger school and perhaps a higher level. That’s just the nature of the business. I feel like it’s pretty common when teams have success, players move on. Sometimes coaches move on, too.”
POPE shot 41.8% from the field, 33.2% from three, and 81.7% FT'S
UT ZEIGLER:
Bryce Pope, a 6-foot-3 guard from Torrey Pines High School who averaged 18.6 points per game and was a first team all-Big West selection, is definitely gone for his final season of eligibility. Francis Nwaokorie, a 6-7 junior forward from Minnesota who averaged 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in his three seasons, has left open the door to returning.
“It’s a tough decision,” said Pope, who redshirted as a freshman, played four years and has one left from the pandemic. “This is my fifth year at UCSD. I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot. I’m glad to have helped lead the team to new heights this year. I feel like I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do at UCSD, and (I have) that opportunity to play at potentially a power conference school and everything that comes with that and move up the ranks and see where I can go.”
Pope is on track to complete an undergraduate degree in real estate and development this June. He’ll pursue a graduate program in finance or business.
Would he consider a trip across town to San Diego State?
“Definitely,” said Pope, who has started 104 collegiate games. “Growing up in San Diego, that’s the team that every kid wants to play for. I’d definitely consider that, for sure.”
For UCSD, it is the fifth straight season a top player has transferred out of the program. In 2020, it was guard Tyrell Roberts (19.2 points) to Washington State. In 2021, guard Mikey Howell (6.0 assists) to Illinois State. In 2022, post Toni Rocak (15.1 points) to USF. In 2023, guard Roddie Anderson III (13.1 points) to Boise State.
Pope admitted he heard from potential suitors during the season and already from 20-plus programs since his decision to enter the portal hit social media Monday morning.
“Guys have to do what’s best for them,” Pope said about the NCAA’s relaxed transfer rules and exploding NIL offers, “and our coaches have been understanding of guys wanting to move on and play at a bigger school and perhaps a higher level. That’s just the nature of the business. I feel like it’s pretty common when teams have success, players move on. Sometimes coaches move on, too.”
POPE shot 41.8% from the field, 33.2% from three, and 81.7% FT'S
