Siena men's basketball standout McCollum enters NCAA transfer portal

PHOTOGRAPHER: Adam Shinder

Siena’s Javian McCollum takes a shot against St. Bonaventure during men’s basketball game at MVP Arena in Albany on Monday, December 19, 2022.

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Siena men’s basketball point guard Javian McCollum has entered into the NCAA transfer portal, the sophomore announced Friday afternoon on social media.

In a Twitter post, McCollum stated, “I’ve taken some time in prayer and with my family to discuss what’s best for my future as I continue to grow as a basketball player. With that being said, I have decided to enter the transfer portal to continue my basketball journey.”

McCollum led the Saints in scoring during the 2022-23 season, averaging 15.9 points per game en route to being a third-team All-MAAC selection. He shot 43% from the field, 35.6% from 3-point range and 89% from the free throw line, while also posting a team-high 3.9 assists per game.

The 6-foot-2 Fort Myers, Florida native averaged a team-high 30.7 minutes per game this past season, but did miss five games and was limited in several others because of ankle and back injuries.

McCollum scored 20 or more points on 13 different occasions last season, including the Saints’ final three games. That included a season-high 30-point performance on March 2 against Manhattan — the first 30-point scoring performance from a Siena player in more than four years.

In his post, McCollum expressed gratitude to his Siena coaches and teammates.

“First off,” he wrote, “I am thankful to God for blessing me with and on this journey. I’d also like to thank coach Carmen Maciariello for blessing me with this amazing opportunity by recruiting me to play at Siena. Thanks to the coaching staff for allowing me to play under their leadership and challenging me to lead in a new way, both on and off the court. To my teammates, we’ve created memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

McCollum did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

McCollum is the first Siena men’s basketball player to enter the transfer portal this offseason. Prior to his decision, the Saints had been the only program in the MAAC not to have a player enter the portal.

SAINTS ADD FRAZIER

Before McCollum entered into the transfer portal, Siena had gained a commitment earlier in the week from Maximus Frazier, a 6-foot-8 recruit.

Frazier played this past season for Northwood High School in Pittsboro, North Carolina. He visited Siena last weekend and committed Monday after a recruitment that started with contact from Saints assistant coach Bobby Castagna several months ago.

“He’d just been staying in touch with me the whole time, making sure I’m good, and he was basically coaching me from a distance — and I liked that,” Frazier said. “Then, when I came up [to Siena], I liked the coaching staff and the players, and they brought me in like a family.”

At 190 pounds, the 17-year-old Frazier said an emphasis ahead for him will be adding weight to his frame, but said he thinks he can contribute right away for the Saints.

“I’m a shot blocker. I’m very versatile. I can guard any position on the court,” Frazier said. “I finish the well above the rim and I’m trying to extend my game out to the 3-point line”

Frazier is one of three incoming Saints for next season along with guard Bralyn Smith and forward Michael Ojo.

Michael Kelly contributed to this report.