Arizona men’s basketball’s congested front court is getting a little lighter.
Arizona center Emmanuel Stephen is entering the transfer portal after one season in Tucson, according to reports.
NEWS: Arizona big man Emmanuel Stephen is entering the transfer portal, he told @LeagueRDY.
Stephen is a 7-foot big and former four-star recruit who spent just one season at Arizona. He played in only 8 games in 24-25.
Native of Lagos, Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/sKmOOCQ1Z7
— Sam Kayser – 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) March 31, 2025
Stephen appeared in nine games as a freshman, averaging 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds.
Stephen played just 24 minutes on the season. His best game came against Central Michigan, where he scored six points to go with six rebounds.
The 7-footer from Nigeria was originally expected to redshirt but Arizona pulled the redshirt by December.
According to Wildcat Authority’s Jason Scheer, Stephen didn’t want to use a redshirt despite the coaching staff’s wishes.
I think Emmanuel Stephen has a bright future, but he handled things in a weird way this season. Was adamant he did not want to redshirt despite the coaches wanting him to, basically wastes a year, and then transfers.
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) March 31, 2025
Stephen, a native of Nigeria, was a four star recruit coming out of Dream City Christian High School in Phoenix.
He comes the second Arizona player to enter the transfer portal this offseason, following KJ Lewis.
Arizona in the mix for San Francisco wing Tyrone Riley
Arizona has already been in talks with San Francisco transfer Tyrone Riley, according to Joe Tipton. Riley has completed Zoom meetings with Arizona, Creighton and Texas.
San Franciso wing Tyrone Riley completed Zoom meetings with Creighton, Arizona, and Texas yesterday, he told @On3sports.
The 6-6 freshman averaged 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season. Former 4-star recruit. https://t.co/Guhv6bKwnJ pic.twitter.com/9U4LvyCAUk
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 31, 2025
The 6-foot-6 wing averaged 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds as a freshman. He shot 50.2 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from 3-point range.
Arizona’s interest in the Downey, Calif. native could be an indication of how the staff plans to replace Lewis’ production.
Kerr Kriisa back in the transfer portal
Former Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa is once again in the portal.
Kriisa played the past season at Kentucky, but his senior year was cut short due to a foot injury. Kriisa averaged 4.4 points and 3.8 assists with Kentucky.
THANK YOU BBN! pic.twitter.com/Mmxup06WA2
— Kerr (@KerrKriisa) March 31, 2025
Kriisa played his first three seasons at Arizona (including a redshirt year) before transferring to West Virginia. With the Mountaineers he averaged a career high 11 points.
Perhaps Kriisa will reunite with Sean Miller at Texas.