Transfer Portal Hit's UMass Lowell Men's Basketball

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Well, it has only been four days since the UMass Lowell Men’s basketball team was eliminated from the quarterfinals of the America East Basketball playoffs by the Maine Black Bears. However, news around the program has already begun. Freshman point guard Martin Somerville has decided to enter the transfer portal and continue his basketball career at another school.

Somerville’s only season with the River Hawks was a good one. He was an 11-time winner of the league’s weekly Rookie of the Week honor breaking the league record that was established back in 1993-94. He was named Freshman of the Year by the league’s coaches at the end of the season as well as being named to the All-First Team Freshman squad.

For the year, he appeared in all 32 games for UML and made 12 starts. He averaged 31.5 minutes, and 13.5 points a game (133-for-317, 42%). From 3-point range, he was 75-of-185 (40.5%) and was an 82.5% free throw shooter (95-for-115). His assists-to-turnover ratio was good with 48 turnovers to 115 assists. He also addedc 47 steals and 2 blocked shots.

This news was reported by 24/7 Sports who contacted Martin’s agent about his future in college basketball and where he would be playing. While this is a blow to the UMass Lowell basketball program, it comes as no real surprise. It had been rumored through the season that Martin would consider his options once the season was over and make a decision.

One thing is for sure, the UMass Lowell River Hawks have some rebuilding to do for next season. With the graduating seniors and now Somerville leaving the program, a new cast of characters will need to be found by head coach Pat Duquette to keep the River Hawks in the hunt for that first league championship. Look for the coaching staff to hit the portal and recruiting trail to find those replacements.