Cal forward Grant Newell enters transfer portal
Cal forward Grant Newell enters transfer portal
Mark Madsen has his work cut out for him as he will have a second roster overhaul ahead of him.
The California Golden Bears are overhauling for the second year in a row, as Grant Newell is among three Cal players entering the portal (Devin Askew and ND Okafor being the others).
After a promising freshman campaign that earned him All Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors, Newell’s numbers declined slightly across the board as Cal’s bevy of transfers crowded the rotation. Newell was a steady presence off the bench, but started only 11 games this year after 28 last season and saw his minutes decline. It’s possible Newell is looking for a spot where he can be an undisputed starter, as Cal will likely have an open competition for frontcourt players when they start going heavy into the portal.
With Okafor also departing, Cal will be returning only freshman Devin Curtis and sophomore Gus Larson on their frontline as significant contributors from last year. Monty Bowser could also potentially return into the rotation.
Mark Madsen has a big offseason ahead. Luckily, he is now secure at Cal for the near-term, as he figures out the best roster construction to give the Bears the best chance to compete in the ACC.
Best of luck to whereever you end up next Grant!
I get it. Newell may find somewhere he can start. And maybe he would next year at Cal if he stayed. But the portal giveth and taketh. Wish him well and I thank him for his contributions!
Will be interesting to see how ACC competition affects Cal's recruiting vis a vis OG Pac12 teams.