In a significant turn for the South Alabama basketball program, standout player Myles Corey has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal, as confirmed by head coach Richie Riley on March 19, 2025. The news comes after a season where Corey averaged 13.8 points and 4.3 assists per game, leading the Jaguars in both categories.
Corey, a six-foot guard originally from Ontario, California, made his mark this season after transferring from Jessup University, an NAIA institution in California. As a fifth-year senior, he also benefited from an extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA following the Diego Pavia ruling in December 2024.
He is not the only player leaving South Alabama; fellow forward Ethan Kizer has also announced his plans to enter the transfer portal. Kizer, standing at 6-foot-5, struggled for playing time this past season as he did not appear in any of the 32 games. During his freshman season, he averaged 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds per game, with a career-high of 11 points scored against Spring Hill on December 9, 2023.
South Alabama finished the 2024-25 season with a 21-11 record, which included a shared title in the Sun Belt Conference regular season. However, the team's run ended early in the conference tournament semifinals, and the Jaguars faced an even more abrupt conclusion when their invitation to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) was withdrawn in a controversial decision.
As Kizer expressed on his social media, he reflected on his time at South Alabama with gratitude, stating, “These past two years at South Alabama have been an incredible experience. I'm beyond grateful for my coaches, teammates, and the entire Jaguar community for believing in me and helping me grow both on and off the court.” His transition to the transfer portal signals a new chapter in his basketball journey.
As the transfer portal officially opens for 30 days starting on March 24, 2025, other players from the South Alabama roster, including All-Sun Belt Conference forward Barry Dunning, starting forward John Broom, guard J.J. Wheat, and forward Julian Margrave, remain in limbo over their future plans. Their decisions could shape the landscape of the Jaguars’ basketball program moving forward.
Corey’s departure raises questions about the future of South Alabama basketball. While he was a key player, the program will need to strategically navigate the upcoming transfer window to shore up their squad for the next season.
The recent events underscore broader discussions around the NCAA transfer portal, which has become a vital aspect of college basketball. With players increasingly exploring options for better fit and opportunities, it is crucial for programs to adapt and build competitive teams in a rapidly changing landscape.
As college basketball fans watch developments unfold, the South Alabama community will be keenly aware of the implications of these pivotal decisions for the future of their program. The impending transfer draft could also attract other potential candidates, adding layers to an already complex situation.
In the wake of Kizer’s and Corey’s announcements, fan reactions have been mixed, with many expressing support for their choices while others feel uncertain about what lies ahead for the Jaguars. The upcoming offseason period will be crucial for the athletics department to assess their existing roster and potential recruits.
In summary, as Myles Corey and Ethan Kizer step into the transfer portal, South Alabama finds itself at a crossroads. Navigating through the future seasons while maintaining competitive edge and team spirit remains a challenge, especially amid changing player dynamics.
