The recent closure of the NCAA transfer portal has left several Rhode Island Division I basketball programs reshaping their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.
Timofei Rudovskii, who averaged 12.9 points and 4.7 rebounds for Bryant last year, announced his commitment to the University of Pittsburgh, seeking a fresh start in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Providence College added Kylah Silver from UNC‑Wilmington, a player who contributed 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, bolstering the Friars’ frontcourt depth.
Another notable move saw AJ Lesburt depart Brown for Merrimack, where he hopes to increase his role after posting 10.3 points and 3.6 rebounds for the Bears.
The University of Rhode Island confirmed the arrival of four new teammates — Matus Deniusas, Jason Fontenet II, Dylan Williamson and Steven Sherman — who will join the Rams’ backcourt.
Providence also welcomed a quartet of fresh faces, including Kylah Silver, J’Adore Young, Daviane Mindoudi Ongbakahoumb and Taylor Barner, adding versatility to the squad.
Portal Closure Marks End of Offseason Activity
With the portal now shut, coaching staffs across the state are finalizing lineups and evaluating how these additions will translate into on‑court chemistry. The moves reflect a broader trend of player mobility that has reshaped college basketball in recent years.
Fans can expect new storylines as former Bryant, Brown and UNC‑Wilmington standouts integrate with their new programs, while traditional rivalries loom larger than ever.