John Buggs III joined East Tennessee State from the University of North Texas, where he played for only one year. In 2023, he played 29 games, averaging 7.3ppg and 2.1rpg. He helped his team make it to the NIT Sweet 16 in 2024.
Buggs played for the University of Massachusetts in 2019-20, Hill College during 2020-22, and then the University of Texas, San Antonio, for one season.
5 Possible Landing Spots for John Buggs III
Buggs’s team ended the regular season in second place in the NTJCAC in 2022. He was also voted to the All-Region 5 Team that year.
Buggs spent his prep year at Putnam Science Prep Academy between 2018 and 20, which he joined from Summerfield High. He helped his team make it to the National Prep Championship Semifinals in 2019.
Buggs is leaving East Tennessee after one season where he averaged 11.1PPG, 2.3RPG and 1.3APG.
NEWS: East Tennessee State guard John Buggs III has entered the transfer portal, @LeagueRDY has learned.
Buggs III began his career at UMass where he played 4 games, before playing a season at UTSA, a season at North Texas and this year at ETSU.
He averaged 11.1PPG, 2.3RPG and… pic.twitter.com/IoSGdMFcQn
— Sam Kayser (@247HSHoops) April 22, 2025
Buggs III is out of college eligibility, but he’s still heading to the portal in case of a fifth year of eligibility being handed out by the NCAA. All reports this week look like the chances of basketball players with eligibility expiring in 24-25 being moved to the five-year period are unlikely. But should I case he gets the extra year, where are his possible destinations?
UMass
Buggs spent one season at UMass, and fans believe he has unfinished business there to attend to. He could decide to return to UMass for his last year.
Baylor
Baylor is rebuilding its entire program after losing virtually its entire roster this offseason. Buggs’ experience could be useful as a short-term option for Baylor.
Kansas
The Kansas Jayhawks had 13 losses this season, the most by the program since 1983. They also failed to win any game at the 2025 NCAA tournament. They also lost their top four scorers, and head coach Bill Self needs to find replacements. Buggs could be an interesting option.
Gonzaga
Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman both declared for the NBA Draft, and Dusty Stromer has transferred to Grand Canyon University. This means the Bulldogs lack experience in the guard department, and Buggs will bring that.
Villanova
It is well known that the Wildcats are actively looking for a guard, and head coach Kevin Willard has said he’s trusting the transfer portal to deliver what he wants.
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