UCLA sharpshooter Jake Kyman says he will transfer in wake of reduced role

Together with his function having more and more diminished, from common contributor to order to bit participant, UCLA junior capturing guard Jake Kyman has determined to switch, the college introduced Wednesday evening.

Kyman’s minutes had steadily decreased since his freshman season, when a barrage of three-pointers helped elevate the Bruins to victories over Washington and Arizona State. Kyman made seven three-pointers, together with one which gave his group a two-point lead with eight seconds left, throughout a victory over the Huskies in January 2020.

The subsequent month, Kyman made 5 three-pointers within the first half in opposition to Arizona State to assist the Bruins overcome a 10-point deficit, prompting Solar Devils coach Bobby Hurley to say he “seemed like Larry Chicken on the market.”

The steadiness of Kyman’s UCLA profession was far much less electrifying.

After having averaged 5.3 factors in 12.1 minutes per recreation whereas making 40.3% of his three-pointers as a freshman, Kyman’s numbers steadily decreased. He averaged 3.0 factors in 10.5 minutes whereas making 38.5% of his three-pointers as a sophomore earlier than barely enjoying final season besides as an harm substitute, averaging 2.4 factors in 7.9 minutes whereas making 29.0% of his three-pointers.

Kyman performed just one minute within the NCAA event, giving up an offensive rebound and putback in opposition to North Carolina within the Candy 16 whereas committing a foul. The earlier season, throughout UCLA’s sudden run to the Remaining 4, Kyman had performed at the very least a handful of minutes in each recreation, making two three-pointers throughout a second-round victory over Abilene Christian.

General, the previous Santa Margarita Excessive standout averaged 3.6 factors and 1.1 rebounds in 80 video games with the Bruins. His switch was broadly anticipated contemplating his diminished function and the arrival of one other extremely touted recruiting class that features two extra guards.

“I simply need to thank everybody at UCLA who has helped make the final three years an incredible expertise,” Kyman mentioned in a press release. “I need to first thank my coaches, the employees and my teammates for the unforgettable recollections, the numerous laughs, the information and the relationships that I’ve constructed and can preserve with me without end. I’ve by no means been extra proud to say I fulfilled my childhood dream of enjoying for these legendary 4 letters. I’ll all the time be a Bruin for all times!”

Kyman turns into solely the second UCLA participant to depart since Cronin’s arrival earlier than the 2019-2020 season, becoming a member of ahead Shareef O’Neal, who left for Louisiana State. O’Neal lately entered the switch portal once more, searching for a 3rd school vacation spot.

Cronin, who has proven unwavering loyalty to his gamers, thanked Kyman for his contributions and wished him effectively at his subsequent cease.

“Jake has been an excellent teammate and a first-class younger man in his time as a Bruin,” Cronin mentioned in a press release. “We’re going to miss Jake, however as I advised him, he’s all the time welcome in Westwood and can all the time be a part of the Bruin household.”

Kyman may draw sturdy curiosity from different Pac-12 groups and mid-major faculties primarily based on his historical past of constructing three-pointers in bunches.

Kyman’s switch is the primary of many choices that may must be made within the coming months. Peyton Watson, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Johnny Juzang are candidates to declare for the NBA draft, and seniors Jules Bernard, Cody Riley and David Singleton should resolve whether or not they need to stay Bruins for yet one more season or transfer on to skilled leagues abroad or begin life after basketball.