Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Editor’s note: Changes were made on March 20 to reflect the latest information
In the wake of Tre Mitchell’s decision to enter his name in the transfer portal, the Collegian has been informed by multiple sources with knowledge of the situation that at least three more players on the Massachusetts men’s basketball team are likely to announce their decision to enter their names in the portal.
After extensive thought and conversations with family I’ve decided that at this juncture I’m going to weigh every option and have entered my name into the transfer portal. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/bBmtE06chp
— Tre Mitchell (@tre_mitch33) March 15, 2021
Ronnie DeGray III, Javohn Garcia, Cairo McCrory, Dyondre Dominguez and Kolton Mitchell were named as players that have a chance of joining T. Mitchell and in the transfer portal.
Sources tell the Collegian that “one or two” of those five aforementioned names could still make the decision to stay at UMass.
Senior Carl Pierre has also added his name to the transfer portal. Pierre was a two-year captain for UMass and will look to play elsewhere after four years with the Minutemen.
After speaking with my family I have concluded that i will take advantage of my extra year of eligibility. Unfortunately, it will not be at UMass as i have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal. Thank you for taking a chance on a local kid UMass nation!🤝 pic.twitter.com/PiA9qryWnn
— Carl Pierre (@_CarlPierre_) March 17, 2021
Per the Boston Globe, it has also been reported that Minutemen assistant coach Tony Bergeron’s contract has been bought out. Bergeron is a former head coach of Woodstock Academy, the prep school in which eight players from the 2020-21 roster had attended before their time in college.
With Mark Gasperini graduating the only players that appear set on staying with the program are Noah Fernandes, TJ Weeks, Dibaji Walker and Preston Santos, who announced his return to the program via Twitter Friday night.
— Preston Santos (@yess_pres2) March 20, 2021
If all five players were to leave, Minutemen head coach Matt McCall would be left with three scholarship athletes heading into the 2021 recruiting offseason period, losing four of their five starters to graduation and the transfer portal.
Sources were kept anonymous to protect their identity.
The team declined to comment about the matter.
Matt Vautour of MassLive has reported that T. Mitchell’s decision hasn’t changed UMass’ plans for McCall to remain as head coach through the 2021-22 season.
Joey Aliberti can be reached at [email protected]. He can be followed on Twitter @JosephAliberti1.
Mike Smigel • Mar 16, 2021 at 10:19 am
This is like a nightmare come true. I’ve been waiting patiently for this program to turn things around and get back to the NCAA tournament finally. It looked promising for the next year or two. Now this? Trey M was the key, keeping him in Amherst. Is there something else going on here with Matt McCall? Ever since John Calipari left town, it’s been so difficult. We can’t even get Coach Cal to play us in the regular season game for some unknown reason. I’m perplexed and very disappointed in these kids leaving, but maybe there is something more I don’t know.
Jonathan Field • Mar 15, 2021 at 4:01 pm
Guess money is more important than your word
Good redindince