Kentucky transfer Ugonna Onyenso commits to Kansas State

Remember that time Jerome Tang said Kansas State “had more dudes” than Kentucky did after Markquis Nowell went for 27 in the Round of 32 win back in 2023? He just took one of the role players on that roster.

Kentucky transfer Ugonna Onyenso, who averaged 3.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 18.6 minutes per game as a sophomore in Lexington, has committed to Tang at K-State.

He previously considered North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi State and Louisville before realizing he didn’t want to leave life as a Wildcat behind. Only now, he’ll be in Manhattan, Kansas.

BREAKING: 7-foot Kentucky transfer big man Ugonna Onyenso has committed to Kansas State, sources tell @On3sports.

Was the top available center in the portal. https://t.co/2BRFHyiOHK pic.twitter.com/yJHX33Zh0S

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 4, 2024

Onyenso entered the transfer portal on April 23 after putting his name in the draft just a week before, announcing at the time he was “ready to go to the next level” and “not thinking about coming back to play college basketball,” pushing all of his chips in on the NBA.

“I want the NBA to know that I am a big that can shoot the ball,” Onyenso said upon entering the draft. “I am not just a defensive player. It’s not only about blocking shots with me. I did what I needed to do to help the team, but I don’t think anyone saw what I am capable of doing. I am excited to show people that.”

That dream did not play out as hoped, ultimately pulling his name out at the withdrawal deadline and returning to school.

The 7-foot center will have two years of eligibility remaining at Kansas State, joining the likes of Dug McDaniel (16.3 PPG at Michigan), Baye Fall (0.8 PPG at Arkansas), Brendan Hausen (6.2 PPG at Villanova), Max Jones (15.3 PPG at Cal State Fullerton), CJ Jones (11.4 PPG at UIC), and Achor Achor (16.1 PPG at Samford) to sign on out of the portal.

Best of luck to Ugo in Manhattan.