Noah Waterman recently joined BYU’s portal additions, submitting his name just before the May 1 deadline, which was extended for BYU players until May 12 due to NCAA regulations triggered by their head coach’s departure. Mark Pope’s move to Kentucky on April 12 initiated this extension. Waterman informed Kevin Young of his decision on Thursday night and completed the necessary paperwork over the weekend.
Standing at 6-foot-11, Waterman, who received a medical redshirt during his freshman year at Niagara, granting him an additional year of eligibility, currently has one year left. If he opts not to return to BYU, he would become the fourth scholarship player to enter the portal, joining Marcus Adams Jr., Aly Khalifa, and Jaxson Robinson.
Waterman’s collegiate journey includes stints at Niagara and Detroit Mercy before his two seasons at BYU. Notably, he made significant strides during his time at BYU, transitioning into a versatile forward known for his shooting prowess. In his latest season, he averaged 9.5 points and 5.4 rebounds, shooting 37% from beyond the arc and registering double-digit scoring in 15 games. He also maintained a starting position throughout the 33 games he played.
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Waterman’s departure undoubtedly poses a setback for BYU, especially considering his intended role as a starter and the high expectations placed on him by Kevin Young. It’s worth noting that Waterman’s decision to enter the portal wasn’t prompted by any discontent with the staff; rather, recent developments seem to have influenced his plans. Speculation suggests that Waterman may receive significant NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities elsewhere, which could have factored into his decision. However, there remains a possibility of his return to BYU, according to sources.
