Vangelis Zougris, who emerged as a starter for Louisville basketball down the stretch of his first season with the Cardinals, is reportedly headed to the NCAA transfer portal
Jon Chepkevich, the scouting director of DraftExpress first reported the news of Zougris’ planned departure on Saturday. When he does officially enter the portal, 6-foot-8 Greek forward will be the fourth UofL player to do so this offseason — joining Mouhamed Camara, Sananda Fru and Khani Rooths.
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That leaves only London Johnson and Adrian Wooley as possible returners for Year 3 of the Pat Kelsey era.
Zougris, a 21-year-old junior who spent four seasons playing professionally in the Greek Basketball League before coming to the United States, appeared in 27 games (nine minutes per) during his first go-around in the collegiate ranks. He averaged 2.6 points on 57.1% shooting and 2.4 rebounds.
Zougris logged only three shifts of 10-plus minutes for Louisville between Nov. 3 and Jan. 13. But he closed the campaign with seven in the final eight — after taking the 6-11 Fru’s spot in the starting lineup.
“Just being there every day — same attitude, same mentality,” Zougris said after his 6-0 run sparked the Cards’ comeback win over SMU at the ACC Tournament. “… I think it’s paying off right now.”
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“Coming over from Greece, (it) just wasn’t going the way he wanted it to basketball-wise,” Kelsey added. “He was having a struggle adjusting; and then his role wasn’t something, obviously, that he envisioned. But he never lost hope — never lost faith.”
“There’s been so much stuff going on throughout the year. It’s been a tough year for me,” Zougris said. “I’ve worked so (hard). … I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve gotten to show what I can do and help my team win.”
The portal is open until midnight Wednesday, April 22. That’s an entry window; players can take their time finding a new home once they’ve hit the market. College basketball’s regular signing period begins Wednesday, April 15.
Players can choose to withdraw their name from the portal, but programs are not obligated to hold scholarships/roster spots for entrants.
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Reach Louisville men’s basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Vangelis Zougris, Louisville basketball big, transfer portal update
