After an uneventful season with the Huskies, 6’3 “point guard Aidan Mahaney has informed On3 Sports of his intention to transfer to another team. He has a team in mind: the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Compared to his time at his first college team, Saint Mary’s Gaels, his performance with the Huskies in the 2024-25 season has been subpar. Amongst other things, his playing time has declined, averaging 3 minutes per game in four games he played between February 15 and March 1. Worse still, he scored no points in any of these games.
Aidan Mahaney’s Previous Success
Mahaney was an impressive player for Saint Mary’s Gaels. As a freshman, he averaged 13.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.1 blocks, and two assists per game and was named to the first-team All-WCC and WCC All-Freshman teams. As a sophomore, he averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
Mahaney was also a key contributor to the Gaels team. He led Saint Mary’s College to two West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season championships and helped them win the 2024 WCC Tournament. In addition, the Gaels made it to the NCAA Tournament in two consecutive years.
As a result of his two impressive seasons at Saint Mary’s, he ranked as one of the top guards before transferring to UConn. Therefore, the decline in his performance with the Huskies has been a surprise for a player who became Saint Mary’s Gaels’ starting point guard just one month into his freshman season. Mahaney’s drop from the starting lineup just five games into his recruitment with the Huskies was disappointing.
Even more shocking has been the drop in his statistics. An average of 4.5 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game is far below expectations.
Mahaney has expressed that leaving the Huskies is a necessary step for his improvement as a player. He stated these words in an interview: “It is what I need to do”
Why Is Mahaney Transferring to USCB?
Seeing as his expectations for UConn have diverged from reality, Mahaney has paid an official visit to USCB. He decided to join the Huskies last season because he wanted to play with a team aiming for a third consecutive national championship. He chose UConn to improve his skills, get more exposure, and play more high-pressure games to contribute to UConn’s goal.
This 21-year-old junior feels he can fit better with the team at USCB, regain his confidence, and improve his skills as a guard. The head coach’s ability to develop players to be their best version, alongside his 68.5 percent winning rate, is another motivation for Mahaney to transfer to USCB.
How Will USCB Improve Mahaney As A Player?
In the 2023-2024 season, USCB’s head coach, Joe Pasternack, led his team to the Big West Tournament Championship and their second NCAA Tournament appearance in three years.
Among other star players, Pasternack coached Ajay Mitchell, the 14th Santa Barbara athlete to be picked in the NBA Draft. He also coached Ariel Bland, who achieved a triple-double with 13 rebounds, 12 points, and 10 assists, registering double figures in three statistical categories.
Mahaney’s improvement under a coach with a record that speaks for itself will be reflected in his statistics next season. Mahaney’s dedication, in addition to his shooting skills, will be a plus to the team. He will surely contribute his ability to defend and his clutch shooting in high-pressure situations.
KEEP READING: Fans React to UConn Threatening Reporter Over Dan Hurley’s Postgame Rant: ‘The UConn Reputation Downfall Has Been Immaculate’
If Mahaney and UCSB are the right fit, this move could be precisely the reset he needs — but it will depend on how he adapts to his new environment.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
