Amani Hansberry, the former standout basketball player from Mount Saint Joseph, has officially announced his decision to transfer from Illinois to West Virginia. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward made the announcement on social media, revealing his plans for the next phase of his college basketball career.
During his time at Mount Saint Joseph, Hansberry shone as a two-time All-Metro Player of the Year, leading his team to victory in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference and Baltimore Catholic League. His exceptional performance as a high school player earned him the title of Maryland’s No. 1 prospect in 247Sports’ Class of 2023, as well as a four-star recruit.
After committing to Illinois, Hansberry went on to make his mark as a freshman, appearing in 19 games and averaging 2.4 points in 7.5 minutes per game. Despite his contributions, Hansberry ultimately felt that his future with the team was uncertain. This led him to reconsider his options and explore the possibility of transferring to a new college program.
West Virginia, which had originally extended an offer to Hansberry during his high school years, emerged as his chosen destination. The team’s recent recruitment of former Drake coach Darian DeVries further solidified his decision. With three years of eligibility remaining, Hansberry is poised to make a significant impact on the West Virginia basketball program.
Hansberry’s move to West Virginia is partially influenced by his desire to work alongside former Illinois assistant coach Chester Frazier, who played a key role in recruiting him during his high school career. Despite the departure of Coach Frazier from Illinois, Hansberry strongly believes in the vision and plan that Frazier and Coach DeVries have for him at West Virginia.
In his senior year at Mount Saint Joseph, Hansberry delivered impressive statistics, averaging 15.3 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists per game. His exceptional talent and dedication to the sport have undoubtedly positioned him as a valuable addition to the West Virginia basketball team.
As Hansberry looks ahead to the next chapter of his collegiate career, his decision to transfer to West Virginia reflects his commitment to finding the right fit and opportunities for growth. With his remarkable skill set and unwavering determination, Hansberry has the potential to make a significant impact and contribute to the success of the West Virginia basketball program.
Amani Hansberry’s transition to West Virginia marks an exciting new phase in his basketball journey, one that holds the promise of further accomplishments and triumphs on the court.