The men’s basketball team at the University of Massachusetts has been successful in the recent transfer market. Following the acquisition of G/F Daniel Rivera from Bryant on Tuesday, the Minutemen have now signed forward Akil Watson from Arizona State.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Watson, a forward from New Jersey, brings versatility and potential to the Minutemen squad. Despite limited playing time in his freshman year at Arizona State, he is a highly-regarded recruit with three years of eligibility remaining, adding depth and athleticism to the UMass roster.
Rivera, a dynamic 6-foot-6 wing player, has also been brought in from Bryant, where he excelled, finishing in the top five of the America East in rebounds and blocks. These two transfers bring a blend of talent and ambition to the Minutemen, strengthening the team for the upcoming season.
These transfers represent a significant step for UMass, who saw eight players enter the transfer portal after the previous season. With the departure of key players like Matt Cross and Josh Cohen, the Minutemen have made it a priority to improve their roster with quality additions.
As the team continues to shape its squad, the focus will now shift to the guard position after the departures of Thompson and Davis Jr. With two scholarships still available, the coaching staff will be looking to add depth and talent to the backcourt.
The addition of Watson and Rivera demonstrates UMass’s determination to compete at the highest level in the challenging Atlantic 10 conference. The versatile skill sets of these two players will provide valuable options for the Minutemen as they prepare for the upcoming season.
With the college basketball landscape evolving rapidly due to the transfer portal, UMass is taking proactive steps to strengthen their roster and recruit talented players with the potential for immediate impact. The coaching staff’s ability to attract quality transfers like Watson and Rivera is a testament to their recruiting prowess and the appeal of the UMass basketball program.
As the offseason progresses, the Minutemen will be looking to further enhance their roster as they aim to make a competitive push in the Atlantic 10 conference next season. The addition of Watson and Rivera is the first step in their recruitment drive, and UMass fans will be eagerly anticipating further developments as the team continues to strengthen its roster.