Tomas Thrastarson has entered the transfer portal, becoming the fifth player from Washington State University (WSU) to do so this offseason. In his second year with the Cougars, Thrastarson averaged 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the team’s performance.
During his time at WSU, Thrastarson played in a total of 50 games, starting in 24 of them. Over the course of his career with the Cougars, he finished with averages of 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. The decision to enter the transfer portal comes as the Cougars are looking to rebuild after a challenging season that ended with a 12-20 overall record.
With Thrastarson’s departure, the Cougars are also awaiting decisions from players Ace Glass, ND Okafor, and Ri Vavers regarding their potential moves to the transfer portal. Additionally, the team will not see the return of point guard Adria Rodriguez, who has opted to pursue a professional contract in Spain. Simon Hildebrandt has also exhausted his eligibility and will not return to the team.
As the Cougars navigate this offseason, head coach David Riley and his staff face the challenge of reconstructing the roster. “But if not, it’ll be another offseason of roster reconstruction for head coach David Riley and his assistants,” a source noted, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future composition.
The numbers
In the realm of WSU athletics, the volleyball team is also making headlines. They are set to take on the University of Montana in their second spring season match. The Grizzlies finished fourth in the Big Sky Conference last season with a record of 17-11. In their previous match, the Cougars defeated the Idaho Vandals with a score of 4-1, showcasing their competitive spirit.
In that match against Idaho, WSU recorded 9 service aces, while the Vandals managed 6. As the Cougars prepare for their matchup against Montana, first serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at Lewis and Clark High School. Observers are keen to see how the Cougars will perform against a formidable opponent like the Grizzlies, who are known for their strong play.
One key matchup to watch will be the middle-blocker battle between 6-foot-3 Blažková and 6-foot-4 Pierce, which could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the match. The Cougs should focus on the serve-receive game to enhance their chances of success against Montana.
As the offseason progresses, the landscape of WSU athletics continues to evolve, with significant changes on both the basketball and volleyball fronts. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final roster for the upcoming season, but the Cougars are poised to make strategic moves to strengthen their teams.
