AAC Basketball: UCF, Cincy among teams after grad transfer Jalen Tate

AAC Basketball: UCF and Cincinnati among teams after grad transfer Jalen Tate

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 10: Jalen Tate #11 of the Northern Kentucky Norse drives to the basket against the Illinois-Chicago Flames during the first half during the Horizon League Men's Basketball Tournament championship game at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on March 10, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Tyrese Martin #4 of the Rhode Island Rams (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Tyrese Martin transfers to UConn, looking to add more grad transfers

Former Rhode Island guard Tyrese Martin committed to the UConn Huskies on April 7. Martin made good strides in his development in year two at Rhode Island, increasing his production across the board with 12.8 points along with 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 43.3% from the field as well as 32.1% from beyond the arc this past year.

The Allentown (PA) native also produced five double-doubles, and he scored in double-figures in 22 of his 30 appearances. His best performance came on Feb. 26 against Fordham, where he put up a career-highs in points (26) and rebounds (14).

UConn has one more scholarship available in 2020. The Huskies are reportedly interested in adding another transfer, particularly one who will be immediately eligible.

SMU could have one of the best backcourts in the American in 2021

The SMU Mustangs improved multiple games in the win column in 2019-20, going from 15 victories in 2018-19 to 19 overall this past year which includes going from six to nine wins during conference play. The Mustangs also got good news recently as guards Kendric Davis and Tyson Jolly announced that they would return to the team, giving them perhaps the best backcourt in the AAC.

Davis showed massive improvement over his freshman campaign. The third-team All-AAC selection, who led the conference in assists, averaged 14.7 points along with 6.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds. He shot 44.9% from the field though just 31.1% from beyond the arc.

Jolly also improved dramatically this past year. The 6-4 shooting guard led the team in scoring at 14.5 points and was third in rebounding (6.2) and second in assists (2.3). He also shot 45.8% from the field and 38.2% from the 3-point line.

While Davis and Jolly are returning, forwards Isiaha Mike and Feron Hunt have decided to test the NBA waters though they are keeping their options open about returning. Mike also showed improvement in year three of his development and averaged 14 points along with 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals. Hunt was fourth in the team in scoring at 11 points and topped the team with 6.7 boards.

I expect Mike and Hunt to return to SMU, but if they don’t, the Mustangs will have two roster scholarships to give out in 2020.