Family. That’s always seemed to have been a big part of Frank Martin’s basketball teams.
After ten seasons at the University of South Carolina, Martin is starting a new journey at his wife’s alma mater, UMass. Although a couple of key pieces return, Martin welcomes in a couple of former Power 6 players to try and push a strong roster over the hump into the top half of the A10.
UMass Transfer Additions:
Rahsool Diggins, UConn
0.8 Points/4-Star Recruit
Wildens Leveque, South Carolina
6.6 Points/4.7 Rebounds/59.2% FG%/4-Star Recruit
Matt Cross, Louisville
5.8 Points/3.9 Rebounds/4-Star Recruit
Ta’Quan Woodley, South Carolina
2.0 Points/3.0 Rebounds/56.1% FG%/4-Star Recruit
Gianni Thompson, Boston College
1.3 Points/1.0 Rebounds/32.1% FG%/4-Star Recruit
Frank Martin is bringing in loads of former four-star recruits to Amherst.
It starts with two former Gamecocks in big men Wildens Leveque and Ta’Quan Woodley. Leveque seemed to take a bear of the brunt on the court when making a mistake, oftentimes making Martin yell out “WILDENS!” He had some strong performances though including a 16-point performance against Oscar Tshiebwe and Kentucky. If he keeps up that strong shooting under the basket, he could quickly become one of the best big men in the A10.
Pairing with him, Ta’Quan Woodley only seemed to grow defensively throughout the year. His numbers may not show production, but he is a force down low.
Martin also welcomed in two former ACC players in Matt Cross (Louisville) and Gianni Thompson (Boston College). Cross showed signs when he had playing time, scoring 15 points and picking up 13 rebounds in 39 minutes against UNC. Thompson was one of the best Massachusetts prep players during his graduating year but saw little time in his only season in Chestnut Hill.
Rounding out the class is probably the most interesting player on the roster, Rahsool Diggins. Diggins had offers from almost everyone out of high school including Florida, Kansas, Miami, Seton Hall, Xavier, Villanova, Virginia Tech and more but only played 46 minutes last year. He is known for his great playmaking skills, so hopefully, he can find an open Noah Fernandes or TJ Weeks to do some damage.
TPR’s Projected Starting Lineup for UMass:
PG: Noah Fernandes
SG: TJ Weeks
3G: Rahsool Diggins
PF: Matt Cross
C: Wildens Leveque
