Senior forward Max Murrell announced Wednesday that he would use his final year of college eligibility at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Murrell averaged 2.6 points to go along with 2.1 rebounds per game. 

The six-foot-nine forward had a good three-point shooting season during his junior year, when he shot above 44% from beyond the arc. His minutes also steadily increased as he aged, rising from around eight minutes a game his freshman season to around 15 minutes a game his senior year. The Omaha product also flashed his elite athleticism during his time on the Farm.

UC Santa Barbara has now brought in a five-man transfer class that includes several transfers from Power-Five and high mid-major conferences. This includes senior center Kenny Pohto from Wichita State and sophomore forward Collin Smith from Vanderbilt. 

The Gauchos will be a favorite to win the Big West conference next season with their retooled roster.
For Kyle Smith, Murrell’s departure means that he will need to add more forwards and big men from the portal. The good news is that Smith will be getting a visit from Harvard transfer forward Chishom Okpara according to John Rothstein. Okpara averaged 16.5 points per game and five rebounds per game last season.