The college basketball transfer portal is heating up as April comes to a close, with a flurry of high-profile commitments announced on April 29-30. Former Saint Mary’s and UConn guard Aidan Mahaney is heading back to California, while five-star recruit Darius Adams found a new home after decommitting from UConn just days ago.
These moves represent just a fraction of yesterday’s transfer activity, which saw over a dozen players commit to new programs. The final days of April have proven crucial for teams looking to rebuild their rosters through the portal, with coaches nationwide scrambling to secure talent before players make their decisions.
Major Commitments Shake Up College Basketball Landscape
Aidan Mahaney Returns to California with UC Santa Barbara Commitment
Former Saint Mary’s standout Aidan Mahaney is heading to UC Santa Barbara for his final season of eligibility after a challenging year at UConn. The California native struggled to find consistent playing time with the Huskies, averaging just 4.5 points in 12.2 minutes per game last season.
Mahaney’s return to the West Coast offers a chance to recapture the form that made him a two-time All-WCC First Team selection at Saint Mary’s, where he averaged 13.9 points across two impressive seasons. The 6’3″ guard will look to provide immediate leadership and scoring for the Gauchos.
Five-Star Guard Darius Adams Commits to Maryland
Darius Adams, a McDonald’s All-American and five-star combo guard, announced his commitment to Maryland on Tuesday after decommitting from UConn on April 19. The 6’5″ guard from New Jersey chose the Terrapins over other suitors, including Michigan State, Tennessee, and Georgetown.
According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Adams is the No. 4 combo guard and No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 class. Known for his elite shooting, versatility, and ability to play both guard positions, he represents a foundational piece for Maryland’s program under new head coach Buzz Williams.
Amaree Abram Brings Defensive Prowess to Tennessee
Amaree Abram, a 6’4″ shooting guard from Louisiana Tech, has committed to Tennessee, signing officially with the Volunteers on April 29. Abram started all 32 games for Louisiana Tech last season, averaging 12.3 points while shooting 37.3% from three-point range.
The left-handed guard was regarded as a “glue guy” at Louisiana Tech, known for his perimeter defense and ability to contain top scorers in Conference USA. During a key three-game stretch, he held opponents’ leading scorers to just 10 points per game on 27% shooting. This marks Abram’s fourth school after stints at Ole Miss and Georgia Tech.
AJ Staton-McCray Heads to Seton Hall
AJ Staton-McCray, a 6’5″ guard who started 17 games for Miami last season, has committed to Seton Hall. The versatile wing averaged 7.3 points and 2.4 rebounds for the Hurricanes in 2024-25 after transferring from Samford, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2000.
Staton-McCray entered the portal after Miami’s coaching change, bringing defensive versatility and athleticism to the Pirates. His commitment adds much-needed backcourt depth for Seton Hall as they look to climb back into Big East contention next season.
Former Phenom Mikey Williams Joins Shaq at Sacramento State
Mikey Williams, once a five-star recruit and social media sensation, is transferring to Sacramento State after a single season at UCF, where he averaged 5.1 points in 18 games. Williams joins a program that is making headlines with its high-profile leadership, including NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as general manager and former NBA point guard Mike Bibby as head coach.
The 6’3″ guard was a high school phenomenon before legal issues derailed his career. At Sacramento State, Williams hopes to revive his once-promising trajectory while helping rebuild a program that finished just 7-25 last season. His addition gives the Hornets instant name recognition.
USC Freshman Jalen Shelley Transfers to Loyola Marymount
Jalen Shelley, a 6’8″ forward who played sparingly as a freshman at USC, has committed to Loyola Marymount. The former top 60 recruit appeared in 22 games for the Trojans last season, averaging just 2.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in limited minutes.
A product of Link Academy in Missouri, Shelley brings size and potential to LMU. His high school career, which included leading Plano Prestonwood Christian to a TAPPS 6A state championship as a junior, showcased his versatility and scoring ability, which never materialized during his brief USC tenure.
Handje Tamba Joins St. John’s
Tennessee center Handje Tamba has committed to St. John’s, providing the Red Storm with additional frontcourt depth. The former Volunteers big man announced his decision on April 29 after entering the transfer portal around April 23.
Tamba, a former NAIA transfer, will now play under legendary coach Rick Pitino at St. John’s. His addition gives the Red Storm a much-needed presence in the paint as they look to compete in the demanding Big East Conference next season.
Other Notable Commitments
Several other significant transfers found new homes. North Florida freshman Josh Harris (13.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG) committed to Indian, bolstering new coach Darian DeVries’ frontcourt. Texas freshman Jamie Vinson moved to in-state rival Texas A&M.
KEEP READING: Women’s College Basketball Transfer Portal News Today (04/30/2025)
Former Georgetown center Vincent Iwuchukwu committed to Georgetown, and Michigan veteran Jace Howard landed at Fordham. Western Kentucky guard Braxton Bayless transferred to Arkansas-Little Rock, completing a busy day of portal movement across Division I basketball.
Portal Withdrawals and Other Transfer News
Cam Scott and Ben Humrichous Return Home
In a surprising development, South Carolina guard Cam Scott withdrew from the transfer portal on April 29, electing to return to the Gamecocks for his sophomore season. Scott, who entered the portal on April 1, averaged 2.5 points as a freshman but will remain with coach Lamont Paris’s program.
Illinois also received good news as forward Ben Humrichous announced his return after briefly exploring transfer options. His decision was aided by a recent ruling granting additional eligibility to former NAIA players, allowing the Huntington University transfer to play another season with the Fighting Illini.
Top Recruit Niko Bundalo Reopens Recruitment
Five-star power forward Niko Bundalo received his release from Washington on April 29, reopening his recruitment just months after signing with the Huskies. Bundalo, a McDonald’s All-American and top 30 national prospect, had chosen Washington over several blue-blood programs in November.
Desmond Claude Exploring Transfer Options
USC guard Desmond Claud, who entered the transfer portal just before the deadline, had scheduled a visit to Florida as he explores his options. The high-scoring guard, who averaged 15.8 points for the Trojans last season, also considers North Carolina, Kansas, and Virginia potential destinations.
Claude is simultaneously going through the NBA Draft process, keeping his options open as he evaluates his future. His recruitment highlights the intense competition among top programs for experienced scorers in the transfer portal.
The college basketball landscape continues evolving daily as the transfer portal reshapes rosters nationwide. With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline (June 15) still weeks away, expect more movement as players like Washington State’s Cedric Coward have committed to Duke while testing NBA waters.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
