3 Guards UCLA Should Pursue in Transfer Portal

With Donovan Dent leaving and Trent Perry’s status still up in the air, UCLA will likely need to find at least one guard in this year’s transfer portal.

It is important to note that UCLA has already brought back a significant portion of last season’s roster. Most recently, Eric Dailey Jr. confirmed he will return, making UCLA a more attractive destination for transfers. However, with Perry still undecided, the Bruins may ultimately need to pursue multiple guards in the portal this offseason.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn | UNLV

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn could be a very attractive option for UCLA. Last season with UNLV, he averaged 20.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 49.7% from the field. If Gibbs-Lawhorn were to join the Bruins, UCLA would immediately gain a strong scoring presence in the backcourt.

The only drawback with Gibbs-Lawhorn is that he is not necessarily a pass-first guard. While he produced plenty of highlights throughout the season, he would not replicate the same type of playmaking production that Donovan Dent provided. Ideally, Trent Perry would transition into a more true floor general next season to balance that dynamic.

Stefan Vaaks | Providence

Vssks — Mar 7, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard Jeremiah Williams (25) drives as Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) looks on during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Another intriguing option is Stefan Vaaks, the No. 4 overall transfer in this year’s portal class. Standing at 6-foot-7, Vaaks averaged 15.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while shooting 40.3% from the field. His size at the guard position is what makes him particularly appealing.

One clear takeaway from UCLA’s season is that the Bruins sometimes lacked the size and physicality needed to compete consistently. Adding a bigger guard like Vaaks could help UCLA build a more physical rotation. Paired with Trent Perry, that combination could give UCLA a very dynamic backcourt.

Colby Garland | San Jose

Garkan — Michigan State's Kur Teng, left, pressures San Jose State's Colby Garland during the second half on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Colby Garland is another interesting option if UCLA were able to land him. His production is very similar to Gibbs-Lawhorn’s, as Garland averaged 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, while shooting 49% from the field. That type of stat line shows a very balanced offensive player.

Adding Garland would give UCLA both consistent scoring and legitimate playmaking upside. Garland will likely be high on many teams’ transfer boards, but as a senior entering next season, he also brings valuable experience and leadership to any locker room.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCF Knights forward Jamichael Stillwell (4) grabs a rebound against UCLA Bruins guard Eric Freeny (8) in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

If there is one thing that is certain, it is that this year’s transfer portal is loaded with talented guards. While several names have been mentioned in previous discussions, these three players appear to fit UCLA’s needs particularly well.

When evaluating what UCLA lost — and what it needs moving forward — these guards could help fill some of the most important gaps on the roster.