Tyrone Riley, who was ranked as a top 50 player on the transfer portal according to The Athletic, has decided to withdraw his name from the transfer portal and return to San Francisco to keep playing for the team for the 2025-26 season.
Tyrone Riley Will Go Back to San Francisco
While his name was still on the transfer portal, teams like the Washington Huskies, Arizona Wildcats, USC Trojans, Ohio State Buckeyes, Arkansas Razorbacks, Creighton Bluejays, and Kentucky Wildcats, among others, were pursuing the San Francisco wing. These teams met with Riley over the last few weeks through various means in an attempt to recruit him.
The competition for this highly sought-after freshman arose because Riley was one of the top wings in the transfer portal. This All-WCC Freshman Team selection had an outstanding season at San Francisco, averaging 9.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game this season.
He started 34 games and shot 50.2% from the field, 32.2% from 3-point range and 73.5% from the free-throw line.
Riley is also known for scoring multiple double-digit points, including a career high 28- point in a game against Chicago State.
Now, however, with Riley’s decision to return to San Francisco for his sophomore season, one can only wonder which team would have succeeded in scouting him had he remained in the transfer portal.
Why Return to San Francisco?
Riley must have chosen to return to his team rather than play for teams with higher pressure, more competitive games, and increased exposure, possibly due to his father’s history with the team.
Riley’s father played for the University of San Francisco basketball team from 2003 to 2005. His decision could also have been influenced by his familiarity with the Dons and the potential to improve himself.
Rather than adjusting the team’s roster and trying to find someone to fill his role, Riley’s return will reduce the amount of work needed for the team. His decision also comes at a crucial time, as the team’s leading scorer, Malik Thomas, recently entered into the transfer portal as a graduate transfer.
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The Dons’ head coach, Chris Gerlufsen, is currently scouting David Fuchs from Austria and Mookie Cook from the Oregon Ducks. A combination of these players, along with a head coach known for his knack for scouting top talents, could be a game-changer for the Dons in the 2025-2026 season.
As a team playing in the West Coast Conference, these changes to the San Francisco team are sure to help them become a top contender in the conference. With an All-WCC honors player and others, the conference is sure to maintain its competitive edge.
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