Transfer Portal Strikes Again as Cougars Lose Two More Starters
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Washington State Cougars forward Rihards Vavers (15) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images [/caption]
The transfer portal has bit the Washington State Cougars yet again, as ND Okafor and Rihards Vavers have both entered their names. With two more departures, as of this publication, Ace Glass, Jerone Morton, Dominik Robinson, and Brunel Madzou are the only scholarship players remaining from last year’s roster.
Only two weeks after initially refuting an earlier report that he planned to go elsewhere, Vavers entered the transfer portal after developing into one of the Cougars’ top perimeter threats. After starting his career at Quinnipiac, the Latvian native became known primarily as a sharpshooter during his time in Pullman. Vavers took a significant step forward from year one to year two, showing improvement in his ability to attack off the dribble while also flashing growth defensively.
Vavers’ minutes nearly doubled, going from 13.9 per game as a sophomore to 25.3 as a junior. With the increased opportunity came a jump in production, as he improved from averaging 5.6 points and 1.6 rebounds to 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He remained highly efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 41.2% on 6.1 attempts per game after hitting 47.9% the previous season. The Cougars are losing a high-level shooter who was still expanding his all-around game and certainly will be able to help another program.
Okafor also entered the portal after two seasons in Pullman. Originally from Ireland, he spent two seasons at the NBA Academy in Mexico before beginning his college career at Cal. Okafor then transferred to Washington State, where his role steadily grew. As a junior, he came off the bench and averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds. This past season, he started every game and elevated his production to 11.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest, earning All-WCC Honorable Mention honors.
Okafor proved to be a physical presence inside for Wazzu, contributing as a strong rebounder and reliable rim protector. He averaged over a block per game in both of his seasons with the Cougars and showed clear development throughout his time in Pullman. With one year of eligibility remaining, teams seeking help in the interior would be wise to take a look at adding him through the portal.
As of now, Washington State’s only new additions this offseason are Casey Jones, who will be returning from his Mormon mission, and incoming freshman Brayden Kyman. Washington State is expected to undergo another massive roster shakeup heading into year three of the David Riley era, and with the losses of Vavers and Okafor, few key players from this past season will be back.
