Arkansas Basketball: Trey Wade adds versatitle depth for Hogs in 2021-22
There have been a lot of surprises this offseason when it comes to the saga of the transfer portal. But the biggest hidden surprise may be the fact that Arkansas Basketball entered the month of June still with five available scholarships despite being linked to “hundreds” of transfer targets. But that number did shrink to four with the news that Wichita State transfer Trey Wade has picked them.
https://twitter.com/treywade35/status/1402295704735911945
Wade has had his own storyline this offseason in the portal once he parted ways with the Shockers. He originally picked the Nevada Wolf Pack, joining star guard and former teammates Grant Sherfield. However, things changed, with the forward leaving and becoming a free agent. It didn’t last long though, as the Razorbacks became his new home.
Wade is from Marietta, Georgia so ending up in the SEC isn’t a major surprise. And Arkansas may be the ideal place for him in terms of finding a role on a top-25 caliber program. The team has already landed several transfers this offseason, including Au’Diese Toney (Pittsburgh), Chris Lykes (Miami), Stanley Umude (South Dakota), and Jaxson Robinson (Texas A&M).
Thing is, none of them are true “frontcourt” players. Toney and Robinson could play some undersized power forward but that may not work well in the SEC. And the only true frontcourt players Arkansas had on its roster are 7’3 center Conor Vanover and sophomore center Jaylin Williams.
Wade is a true combo forward, having played at the wing and the four-spot as a starter for Wichita State in the past two seasons. He averaged 6.7 ppg and 5.6 rpg, leading the team in rebounding. The 6’7 and 220-pound forward can defend at a high level and doesn’t require the ball at all. He could be Justin Smith, without the offensive skillset but he provides needed depth in the frontcourt and plenty of experience.
WTE SEC Award predictions for 2021-22. dark. Next
The Razorbacks still have a few spots left but it’ll be hard to land a talented transfer looking for guaranteed playing time. Landing a starting-caliber player in Trey Wade gives the team both experience and a big body to play inside next season and should make Arkansas fans even more confident that they’ll win the SEC next season. Wade won’t make major headlines but could play a pivotal role in March.