Rhode Island's Ishmael Leggett, Bryant's Charles Pride enter transfer portal
Two Rhode Island guards are looking to take the next step in their basketball journeys. URI sophomore Ishmael Leggett and Bryant senior Charles Pride are entering the transfer portal to explore their options for next season.
Leggett announced Wednesday afternoon that he will enter the portal after three seasons in Kingston. In a post on his personal Instagram account, Leggett thanked "Rhody Nation ... and Coach Archie" Miller for "helping me become a better player and person."
More:Rhode Island women's basketball selected to WNIT; here's who Rams will play
Leggett was among the team leaders this season for the Rams, averaging 16.1 points per game — his best scoring season in Kingston. He came to URI as a freshman in the 2020-21 season under former coach David Cox and became one the Rams' top players this season, as a redshirt sophomore. His season-high occurred on Feb. 22 against George Washington when he scored 30 points in an 89-80 overtime loss.
The Rams finished the year at 9-22 (5-13 in Atlantic 10 play) in Miller's first season at the helm for Rhode Island.
Leggett entered the transfer portal a year ago as well, but ultimately decided to return to URI for a third season. In his announcement on Wednesday, Leggett says he looks "forward to exploring all options, including Rhode Island." He has two years of eligibility left.
More:No. 11 Providence Friars to meet No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats Friday in Greensboro, N.C.
Charles Pride leaves a legacy at Bryant
Also on the move is premier shooting guard Charles Pride, who retweeted a report by @Stockrisers citing a source saying the fourth-year Bryant player will enter the portal. Pride tallied 1,512 points for the Bulldogs, 730 rebounds and 246 assists during his time in Smithfield. He was an All-America East Second Team pick this season. He averaged 14.6 points per game this season.
More:Bryant's Mary Burke retiring as women's basketball coach after more than three decades
His best season came a year ago, Bryant's last in the Northeast Conference when the Bulldogs won the conference championship and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament. Pride averaged 17.7 points per game in 2022-23.
The Syracuse, N.Y., native has left his mark on the Bryant record books. He ranks fourth all-time in career points scored, second all time in rebounds, sixth in assists and is tied for the all-time lead in steals (140).
His career best was a 44-point game at Saint Francis in February 2022. In their first season in America East, the Bulldogs, coached by Jared Grasso, finished 17-13 overall, 8-8 in conference play. Because of the COVID pandemic, Pride has one more year of eligibility.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island's Ishmael Leggett, Bryant's Charles Pride transferring
