Former Kent State men’s basketball senior forward Delrecco Gillespie announced his commitment to the Houston Cougars on Saturday following his earlier decision to enter the transfer portal.

Heading from the Mid-American Conference to the Big 12, Gillespie will join a Houston Cougars team that won 30 games last season and reached the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16. 

The Cougars gained a six-foot-eight forward in Gillespie, who led the nation in double-doubles with 22 and averaged 17.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game last season. His dominant performance throughout the year drew the attention of NBA scouts. 

In the midst of Gillespie’s breakout season, the senior was awarded an extra year of eligibility due to an earlier injury and will now play the last of his college basketball with the Cougars before hopes of pursuing a professional career.

The loss of Gillespie leaves a massive hole to fill in the Flashes’ lineup, as they will continue to recruit their own batch of transfers in the coming weeks.

Josh Szeremet is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].