Pac-12 Basketball: 2022 biggest offseason winners and losers
By Tuck Clarry
Loser – Washington State
It was around this time last year that the dark horse rumors began circulating. In his third year on the Palouse, Kyle Smith was the next big name for the coaching carousel. He had been in control of the roster for long enough that it was nearly entirely comprised of his guys. He found major talent in the transfer portal and had a pulse on international recruiting that resulted in two incredibly intriguing front-court players that could put a lid on the basket.
But the spreadsheets never translated to the standings as Smith missed the tournament and his slept-on team never truly woke up last year. Finishing fifth, the Cougars may have missed out on their big opportunity to gain momentum and instead suffered major losses in the portal.
Their primary offensive weapon, Noah Williams, transferred to rival Washington. Their other backcourt weapon, Tyrell Roberts, transferred to San Francisco. Both of their promising big men, Efe Abogidi and Mouhamed Guye, hit the portal and tested NBA waters. Guye ultimately returned after being told he was not ready, but Abogidi elected the incredibly rare route of simply going to the G-League Ignite than returning to college basketball.
Next. Most important player on each top-25 team. dark
The Cougars’ additions in the portal do not necessarily offer many declarations of stability or reinvigoration either. Two WCC bench pieces join the Cougs in big man Dmitry Ryuny and guard Jabe Mullins. Guard Justin Powell will play in Pullman for his third team in three collegiate seasons. It’s difficult to envision the dark horse murmurs to circle the Cougars this season.