By Lance Tominaga, ESPN Honolulu Web Editor.
The NCAA transfer portal is a hot subject in the world of college sports these days. The portal has impacted almost every school in the NCAA, including the University of Hawaii. We all know about the recent UH football departures, but the Rainbow Warrior basketball program has been hit hard in recent years as well. Have you ever wondered how these former UH players have fared at their new schools? Here’s what we found:
JUSTIN WEBSTER: The 6’3” guard, who led Hawaii in scoring last season (12.3 ppg), is now a junior at UNLV. He is currently averaging 14.7 minutes of playing time per contest, and is putting up 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds a game. He’s made four starts in 20 games for the Rebels, who are 12-9 overall (4-4 in the Mountain West Conference). Webster is struggling this season from beyond the arc, shooting just .300.
JAMES JEAN-MARIE: Jean-Marie is currently leading the Portland State Vikings in both points (12.9 ppg) and rebounds (8.9). He scored a season-high 17 points in a loss to Portland and pulled down 15 rebounds in a loss to Iowa. While the Vikings are struggling (5-13 overall, 3-7 in the Big Sky, the 6’8” senior forward appears to be ending his nomadic collegiate career with his best statistical numbers.
JUSTIN HEMSLEY: Hemsley recently caught the attention of UH fans by criticizing head coach Eran Ganot in a written testimony submitted to the controversial Hawaii Senate hearing about Todd Graham. In his letter, the 6’6” forward complained about his lack of playing time, stating, “Uber drivers would even ask me why I don’t play when I am so much better than most of the people playing ahead of me.” Hemsley is now at Azusa Pacific of the Pac West Conference, leading the Cougars in scoring (16.9 ppg). Azusa Pacific is currently 7-2 in the conference, including wins over HPU, Hawaii-Hilo and Chaminade.
KAMERON NG: Ng, the former 2x Gatorade Hawaii Boys Basketball Player of the Year, is now a rotation player for Hawaii-Hilo. The 6’0” guard is averaging 5.8 points, 2 rebounds and 1.4 points per game for the Vulcans, who are currently 10-8 on the season (6-5 in the PAC West). Ng is averaging 16.8 minutes per game and is second on the team in free throw percentage (.824).
DREW BUGGS: Hawaii’s all-time assists leader has matriculated to Winthrop University, where he is a graduate student. The veteran point guard has made 17 starts in the team’s 21 games this season, posting averages of 5.3 points and a team-leading 4 assists per game. Buggs scored a season-high 17 points on Dec. 1 against Hartford. The Eagles are currently 13-8 overall and 6-2 in the Big South Conference.
DAWSON CARPER: The 7-foot Carper has struggled with injuries since leaving Hawaii after the 2019-20 season. He is now a senior at Missouri State, where he is playing sparingly (6.1 minutes per game). Carper is averaging 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in his 16 appearances so far this season. The Bears are currently 16-7 overall and 7-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference.