PULLMAN — Washington State has picked up its second transfer addition of the spring.
The Cougars have landed a commitment from Boise State transfer, who announced his decision Monday afternoon. He’s the second transfer portal pickup for WSU this offseason.
Ugbo, a 6-foot-8 forward from the Netherlands, played one season at Boise State and will have one year of eligibility remaining — possibly two, depending on international eligibility regulations, according to a source from The Spokesman-Review. Before coming to the U.S., Ugbo played in Germany for Ludwigsburg’s Porsche BBA during the 2022-23 season, averaging 14.2 points and 7.1 rebounds over 23 games.
With a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Ugbo joined the Broncos in spring 2024 and appeared in 36 games last season, averaging 10 minutes, 3.1 points, and 1.8 rebounds per game. He started in 12 games for a Boise State team that finished 26-11, just missing the NCAA Tournament and earning two wins in the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament.
He joins Jerone Morton, a transfer guard from Morehead State, as part of WSU’s spring portal additions. The Cougars are in full rebuild mode after losing all five starters: LeJuan Watts (Texas Tech), Isaiah Watts (Maryland), Nate Calmese (Wake Forest), and outgoing seniors Dane Erikstrup and Ethan Price. WSU now has roughly four scholarships left to fill, though that number is more flexible than in years past.
Starting in the 2025-26 season, college basketball will shift from scholarship caps to a 15-player roster limit, giving coaches more freedom to distribute scholarships however they choose — meaning some players may receive partial scholarships.
Meanwhile, WSU guard Cedric Coward is in the portal and considering Alabama and Duke while also exploring NBA draft options. Freshman guard Marcus Wilson has also entered the portal, making a total of six Cougars transferring out this offseason.
Despite his limited college experience, Ugbo brings a mature presence to WSU. He switched from soccer to basketball at age 14, played for Netherlands-based CBV Binnenland and BC Triple Threat, and later joined the Orange Lions Academy tied to the country’s basketball federation.
Ugbo debuted professionally in 2021 with Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany, earning Most Improved Player honors in his first year. He also represented the Netherlands on its U20 national team in 2022.
His standout qualities are athleticism, versatility on defense, and the ability to run in transition — all valuable traits for a WSU team that struggled defensively last season under new coach David Riley. While Ugbo may not be a go-to perimeter shooter, he adds size, toughness, and defensive skills that suit Riley’s positionless, up-tempo system.
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