In a move that’s been expected since UConn’s season was abruptly cut short last month, forward Sidney Wilson has entered the NCAA transfer portal and will leave the program, as first reported by Verbal Commits.
Wilson largely struggled on the court with the Huskies, averaging just over three points per game in the 2019-20 season and falling to the bottom of UConn’s depth chart. Despite the lack of production, Wilson often displayed his athleticism and earned fans for his high-energy play including several tremendously satisfying blocks.
Wilson was recruited by former coach Kevin Ollie and was technically a transfer to UConn after enrolling at St. John’s and taking some summer courses before having a change of heart and joining Ollie in Storrs. Wilson was forced to sit out a year despite never playing a game at St. John’s.
A similar fate may await Wilson again. Consensus opinion this winter was that the NCAA would grant (at minimum) a one-year reprieve from its transfer rules, allowing any player (including Wilson) the opportunity to change programs without sitting out a year. It’s unclear how the sudden end of the season, and the resulting chaos of a world stuck in neutral due to the coronavirus pandemic, will affect that process.
Regardless, Wilson has made his decision, telling Hearst’s Dave Borges “I just felt like I needed a fresh start. I feel like this past year, I struggled a lot, not just on the court but off the court, mentally and stuff like that. I feel like I need … somewhere I can be myself and continue my career.”
Wilson’s departure leaves coach Dan Hurley with two open scholarships. Hurley has seemingly contacted nearly ever available transfer so far this offseason and is said to be prioritizing a strong guard that can rebound and replace some of the production of the graduating Christian Vital. With Wilson gone, Hurley will also now look to add more front court depth.
Fortunately for Hurley and UConn there are plenty of options still on the board at each position and the Huskies are riding high after a strong finish to the season, an impressive incoming recruiting class and the program’s move to the Big East next year.
