One in and one out as Miami guard Divine Ugochukwu enters transfer portal

Reports emerged late on Wednesday afternoon Miami freshman guard Divine Ugochukwu is entering the transfer portal. A few hours before the reports of Ugochukwu departing the Miami basketball program emerged, former Indiana forward Malik Reneau committed to the Hurricanes through the transfer portal.

Ugochukwu was the last Miami signee in the 2024 class and one of the last two remaining players from the 2024-25 Hurricanes' roster. Guard A.J. Staton-McCray is the last remaining player for Miami from the 2024-25 season. All of the other players have completed their eligibility or entered the transfer portal.

Ugochkwu was originally considered a developmental player and the plan from former head coach Jim Larranaga and his staff was to redshirt him. Ugochukwu averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steal while shooting 48.3 percent from the field, 17.6 percent on three-point attempts and 63.0 percent from the free throw line.

With Nijel Pack lost for the season after nine games, Ugochukwu was the primary Miami point guard, playing in 28 games with 14 starts. Although not an efficient three-point shooter, Ugochukwu finished with a 50.9 eFG percentage. Miami signed Ugochukwu after NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon told Larranaga's son Jay about him.

Ugochukwu was a part of the Miami basketball program for less than a year after committing to the Hurricanes on May 11, 2024. Miami beat out SMU and Texas to sign Ugochukwu, who is originally from Sugar Land, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Former Miami All-ACC guard Kameron McGusty is also originally from suburban Houston.

Head coach Jai Lucas could have a completely new roster than the one that preceded him at Miami if Stanton-McCray enters the transfer portal. Miami has been busy sending out offers, but have only received a commitment from Reneau through the transfer portal in the 33 days since it opened.