Gators men’s basketball sophomore guard Riley Kugel announced Wednesday he’s entering the transfer portal.
This season, Kugel averaged 9.2 points per game and played a key role off the bench at times during the latter half of the season.
“I’m thankful to all of Gator Nation for nothing but love and support over these past two years,” Kugel said in a post on X. “It’s been fun and I appreciate everyone who has supported me through thick and thin.”
The sophomore started 11 games this season for the Gators but transferred to a role off of the bench when conference play began. The Orlando native scored a career-high 25 points against Baylor Nov. 24, 2023.
In Florida’s NCAA Tournament loss to the Colorado Buffaloes Friday, Kugel recorded 11 points and played strong defense, getting three steals.
During conference play, Kugel’s minutes fluctuated. There were games where he didn’t play over six minutes, yet others where he’d play 20-plus.
In his first season with UF, he averaged 9.9 points per game and was one of the Gators’ best players down the stretch of the 2022-23 season.
Kugel is the first player to enter the transfer portal from the Florida team. UF will also lose guard Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel during the offseason.
Contact Bennett Solomon at bsolomon@alligator.org. Follow him on X @B_Soly11.
