ASU men’s basketball forward Marcus Bagley to enter transfer portal

When Arizona State men’s basketball forward Marcus Bagley declared for the NBA draft, he made clear that he was leaving all his options open and would consider a return to college.

If he does return, it may not be with the Sun Devils.

Bagley will enter his name in the NCAA transfer portal, according to ESPN reporter Jonathan Givony.

Bagley’s father told Givony that the 19-year-old still has his eyes on the NBA but wants all options to be available.

Arizona State's Marcus Bagley will enter the NCAA transfer portal, his father Marvin Bagley Jr. told ESPN. "Marcus will continue to work out for NBA teams and attempt to improve his draft status. However, he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal to ensure all options are covered."

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 25, 2021

Bagley’s stock in mock drafts tends to range from the mid-to-late 20s and into the second round. Believers like the jumper and defense that come with his 6-foot-8 frame. He is athletic enough a player to have led the Sun Devils with 6.2 rebounds per game.

As a freshman, he averaged 10.8 points per game, the majority of which came from behind the 3-point line. Six of his 8.8 shots per game were from deep, and he made 34.7% from behind the line.

“This season, like any other season, had its ups and downs but I believe it was very beneficial for me and my game,” Bagley said to ESPN after he declared for the draft in early April.

“I think teams were able to see a little bit of my versatility on both ends of the floor. I stepped out and defended guards but I also was down there being physical with the bigs in the paint.”

As of Thursday, ASU had lost six scholarship players to the transfer portal and two to the NBA Draft, Bagley being part of the latter group.

While entering the transfer portal does not rule out a return to the original school, a tweet from Bagley shortly after the news broke sounded like he was saying goodbye to Tempe.

Hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life. Arizona State will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you to everyone involved that made my dream come true! Sun Devil for life 🔱

— Marcus Bagley (@bagleymarcus23) April 25, 2021

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