HCA : Any moves left for Kyle Smith?

Ever since the Washington State Cougars hired new hoops coach Kyle Smith, it has been a whirlwind roster makeover. He has signed two freshman in Volodymyr Markovetskyy and Noah Williams, and he’s secured a commitment from Ryan Rapp. In addition, he picked up two junior college transfers in Daron Henson and Issac Bonton as well as a grad transfer in Deion James. This appears to leave two scholarships available (depending on players in the transfer portal) for Smith to use or hold until next year. Let’s take a look at the new additions and what players could be added over the summer. Keep in mind that players can still sign financial aid agreements after the signing period ends.

Freshman

Ryan Rapp: 6-foot-5 guard out of the Australia who was part of Smith’s signing class at USF before migrating north to Smith’s new school. The Cougars have obviously had great success mining the south pacific continent over the years.

Volodymyr Markovetskyy: 7-foot-2 big man who averaged 11 points and 8 rebounds a game for Ukraine’s national team. Big-time international signee for Smith’s first class.

Noah Williams: 6-foot-5 guard out of O’Dea high school in Seattle is the son of Cougar legend Guy Williams. After receiving his release from Buffalo the Cougars and Huskies both pursued Williams.

Juniors

Daron Henson: 6-foot-7 stretch forward who has division one experience with Utah State before going the JC route. Originally signed by Ernie Kent.

Issac Bonton: Portland native who was a second team JC All-American after leaving Montana State for Caspar College. The 6-foot-2 lead guard looks to play a big role next season.

Senior

Deion James: Grad transfer from Colorado State who averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds a game in his only season for the Rams. The 6-foot-6 forward is a former national JC player of the year.

There are a number of possible directions that Smith could go with his remaining scholarships. Cougfan’s Jamey Vinnick identified some players that have known offers from Smith.

Some quick info on these prospects

Jeremy DowDell: A shooting guard who led the state of Utah in scoring.

Ronnie DeGray: An intriguing 6-foot-7 combo forward who has a number of high division 1 offers.

Nigel John: An Ernie Kent signee who has yet to declare whether he will still come to Pullman. The raw big man also had an offer from Kansas State.

Gary Harris Jr: Former San Jose State commit out of LA who is now being pursued by WSU, Nebraska and Kansas State.

South Dakota State grad transfer David Jenkins Jr. is one to watch as well. He is highly sought after with Gonzaga, Oregon and others joining the Cougars in pursuing him.

Basketball

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7-foot Ukrainian center Volodymyr Markovetskyy signs with Kyle Smith, Washington State | The Spokesman-Review
Volodymyr Markovetskyy of Truskavets, Ukraine, signed a letter of intent with Washington State Wednesday, giving new coach Kyle Smith his sixth recruit in two weeks, since Colorado State graduate transfer Deion James inked with the Cougars on May 9.

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SIGNED: Gigantic 7-0 Ukrainian center headed to WSU
WSU needed size, and Kyle Smith certainly got it (plus a whole lot of vowels and consonants) in Volodymyr Markovetskyy

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