BYU Basketball: Connor Harding Finds a New Home
According to WAC Hoops Digest, BYU men's basketball guard Connor Harding has found a new home. Harding, who entered the transfer portal two weeks ago, will play for UVU next season. Harding originally signed with BYU under Dave Rose, and he played a diminished role under head coach Mark Pope. Harding started 14 games as a true freshman under Coach Rose, he came off the bench as a sophmore under Coach Pope, and he was demoted from a starter to a role player during the 2020-2021 season.
Through three seasons at BYU, Harding averaged 5.9 points per game, 2.9 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game.
The transfer makes a lot of sense for Harding and his family. Connor is married to BYU women's basketball star Paisley Harding. The couple can stay in the Provo/Orem area to finish out their collegiate basketball careers.
Last month, we took an early look at BYU basketball's 2021-2022 roster. Without Jesse Wade, Connor Harding, Wyatt Lowell, and Kolby Lee in the fold, the Cougars are in the market for multiple transfers. Here is a look at the Cougars' returning players, incoming signees, and more:
Returning Players
- #25 Gavin Baxter
- #0 Hunter Erickson
- #5 Gideon George
- #42 Richard Harward
- #20 Spencer Johnson
- #21 Trevin Knell
- #33 Caleb Lohner
- #15 Cameron Pearson
- #24 Townsend Tripple
- #2 Brandon Warr
BYU has some young talent returning next season, namely Caleb Lohner, Gideon George, and Gavin Baxter if he can get healthy. In this author's opinion, however, BYU is clearly lacking ball handlers and shot creators from this group.
BYU's top recruiting targets this offseason are Alex Barcello and Brandon Averette. It appears, however, that Averette will not return to BYU next season. Even if the duo returns, I would expect Mark Pope and staff to be very active in the transfer portal. Mark Pope has already expressed interest in Cincinnati transfer Mike Saunders Jr. Saunders prepped at Wasatch Academy with fellow BYU signees Richie Saunders, Caleb Lohner, and Fousseyni Traore. He was a four-star recruit out of the 2020 recruiting class. He is set to make his college decision this week.
Incoming Signees
- Fousseyni Traore (F)
- Atiki Ally Atiki (C, not officially signed yet)
- Nate Hansen (PG)
- Trey Stewart (G)
Atiki Ally Atiki has the potential to be a very good player for BYU, but he might need a few years to develop. Traore is in a similar situation - high ceiling but he might need some time to develop. Nate Hansen will be returning home from a mission. Trey Stewart was a late addition to the 2019 class.
Pending Decisions
- #13 Alex Barcello
- #4 Brandon Averette
- #3 Matt Haarms
Matt Haarms told the media that he wouldn't return to BYU for another season. However, Haarms posted on Instagram teasing the idea that he could return for one more season. BYU's three seniors will likely announce their decisions over the next few weeks.
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