Former Bosse standout Kiyron Powell is coming home to play for USI basketball

UPDATE: The NCAA approved a one-time transfer waiver for Powell on Aug. 31 which will allow him to play for the Screaming Eagles this upcoming season. He'll be eligible for USI's Division I opener against Missouri on Nov. 7.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — This was an opportunity Kiyron Powell simply couldn’t pass up.

He felt the energy on his campus visit this week. He sensed excitement around the program with it entering Division I. He embraces a chance to represent a town that means so much to him.

The former Bosse High School standout is returning home.

Powell announced on Friday his decision to transfer to the University of Southern Indiana. He spent the last two years at Houston before ultimately entering the NCAA transfer portal over the weekend.

“I feel like this is going to be special,” Powell told the Courier & Press. “Being close to home, all the support from the community and people in Evansville — I feel like we have a chance to make some noise this year. Let’s get that stadium rocking.”

Powell will need the NCAA to approve a one-time transfer waiver in order for him to play this upcoming season. He still has four years of eligibility remaining — he was a medical redshirt last season and the NCAA granted all athletes a bonus year for the coronavirus' impact on the 2020-21 season. And if he’s cleared, he expects to have a major role immediately. Perhaps even on opening night at Missouri.

“Hopefully I can come in and be especially big on the defensive end and have an impact on rebounding while also stretching my game to the perimeter,” Powell said. “I want to continue to do what I do (defensively) but also make more of an impact on the defensive end.”

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It didn’t take long for him to feel a special connection with the USI coaching staff. He had a chance to watch the team scrimmage and sensed the potential. He wanted to remain part of a talented group after Houston was ranked throughout his tenure on its way to Final Four and Elite Eight runs in the NCAA tournament.

Powell's addition puts USI's roster at 15 players for this upcoming season. While the specifics are unknown, he likely will take one of the 13 scholarship spots the Screaming Eagles can offer.

The 6-foot-10 forward will be the 10th newcomer on the USI roster. He is also the third transfer to join the Eagles from a high-major conference following a pair of Big Ten transfers in Trevor Lakes (Nebraska) and Peter Nwoke (Michigan State).

Having appeared in 14 games as a freshman at Houston and averaging 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds, he gained plenty of valuable insight under head coach Kelvin Sampson. He experienced big-time games during a pair of NCAA tournament runs. That's knowledge he wants to pass along to his new teammates, several of whom will be playing their first D-I campaign this fall.

“(College basketball) takes every bit of you. Everything you have. You have to go hard every moment you’re on the court,” Powell said. “If I can come in and show that, maybe the young people will follow me and I’ll be able to have an impact on the team and culture.”

Powell was one of the top defenders in the state out of high school. He averaged 14.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 7.9 blocks and 3.6 assists during his senior season at Bosse. A three-star recruit, he ranks first in program history in rebounds and blocks.

He improved his offensive game throughout his high school career, shooting 65% from the floor and growing comfortable with his jumper out to 15 feet. He became the 11th player in program history named to the Indiana All-Star team.

He wants USI fans to know they can expect a strong work ethic whenever he takes the court.

“Playing hard is No. 1. They taught me that’s what it takes every day to be a winner,” Powell said. “When I get on the floor, I just try to go hard because that can lead to great things. I feel like I’m a versatile player.”

USI will open its season on Nov. 7 at Missouri. The schedule also features tough games with teams such as Notre Dame and St. Bonaventure, so the program will be tested out of the gate.

Those challenges are something Powell welcomes. He's ready to get to work with the Screaming Eagles.

“We can try to come out and be that winning team that I know we can be,” Powell said. “We’re gonna make some noise and fill up that arena.”

Follow Courier & Press sports reporters Kyle Sokeland (@kylesokeland) and Hendrix Magley (@TweetsOfHendrix) on Twitter

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Kiyron Powell transfers from Houston to hometown USI men's basketball