UCLA might be interested in a forward this offseason. There are plenty that are out there and one that could be worth a flyer is Will Sydnor from Manhattan. He just recently hit the transfer portal after sitting out last season due to injury. But in his freshman season at Manhattan, he had a really good year in 2024 averaging 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game on 45.1% shooting from the field. He missed 2025 due to eligibility issues but still retained his scholarship.
NEWS: Manhattan sophomore Will Sydnor is entering the transfer portal, sources told @LeagueRDY.
— Sam Kayser (@KayserHoops) April 4, 2026
The 6-foot-8 forward from the Bronx spent two seasons at Manhattan and was named the MAAC Rookie of the Year in 2024-25. He missed the 2025-26 season, but is fully cleared for next… pic.twitter.com/RKTrosVUst
Sydnor was also very effective on the defensive end averaging 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals per game. Something that UCLA needs to get better at in 2026. Mick Cronin preaches defense and they battled inconsistencies in the 2025 season. Now they look to get back to their dominant selves that they had from 2021-2023. That is when they’re most successful and getting out in transition.
UCLA still awaits a decision on Skyy Clark’s eligibility. But they can be major players on the transfer portal market with four open scholarships available. There still is the possibility for some late recruits to come in. But they seem pretty set on Joe Philon and Javonte Floyd as their main recruits. The Bruins now they need to improve this roster around Trent Perry to compete in the NCAA tournament.
Expecting a monster year from last season’s MAAC rookie of the year Will Sydnor. In his freshman season with @JaspersMBB he averaged:
— Rising Ballers Network (@dylan_lutey) October 13, 2025
13.9 PPG
6.8 RPG
1.5 APG
1.1 BPG
45.1% FG
35.0% 3FG
The 6’8 forward can really do it all. High major talent.@mid_madness pic.twitter.com/Z8fxFS4zaK
With the transfer portal officially opening shortly. It will be curious to see what type of NIL money is being thrown around. That will be a major factor in how much UCLA is able to bring in. But a combo guard, wing and center would be an amazing haul. That would give UCLA many options on lineups for 2026. They can go with a more athletic lineup or a traditional lineup with a true center. Portal season is upon us!