Athletic 7-footers are hard to come by, so it is unsurprising that when one becomes available, several teams jump in “on him.” That is what is happening with junior college transfer Noah Boyed, who has recently heard from several teams, including three Big Ten squads.
According to Jake Lieberman of JAL Hoops, Boyed has heard from Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Minnesota, among others, since receiving his release from Baylor.
7' forward Noah Boyed out of McCook Community College (Juco) has heard from Wisconsin, Ohio State, Minnesota, Creighton, among others since receiving his release from Baylor, i'm told.
Three years to play. pic.twitter.com/dO6xnob0mg
— Jake Lieberman (@jakelieberman2) May 1, 2024
Three Big Ten Squads Among Teams In The Hunt Former Baylor Recruit
Boyed signed a national letter of intent with Baylor in November. However, the 7-0 forward requested and granted his release from BU on April 26.
BREAKING: One of the best bigs in the country has reopened his recruitment after signing with Baylor last fall.
7’0 F Noah Boyed – McCook CC pic.twitter.com/XGhBd2OlBF
— JUCOadvocate – Brandon Goble (@JUCOadvocate) April 26, 2024
“With recent developments at Baylor University,” Boyd said when addressing the reason for requesting his release. “I am respectfully requesting my release from the basketball program to explore other opportunities. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Coach Scott Drew for believing in me and providing me an opportunity with the opportunity to be a part of the team.”
“While this decision is not easy, I am eager and excited to see what the future holds for me, both on and off the court. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.”
Fanrecap.com reported that the “recent developments at Baylor University” appeared to be the departure of Baylor’s assistant coach, Alvin Brooks III. Brooks III played a pivotal role in recruiting Boyed. Brooks III left the Bears for Kentucky, where he will be an assistant to Mark Pope.
Who Is Noah Boyed?
Boyed hails from St. Lucia, an island of around 170,000 in the West Indies, and spent three seasons at McCook Community College (Nebraska). He redshirted his first season at McCook after arriving on campus in January 2021, as he was quite raw and it took him quite a while to adjust to the culture. He had a solid freshman campaign in 2022-23, averaging 10.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, which earned him all-Region IX NJCAA.
Last summer, Boyed was named to the FAB 50 list of junior first-year college students and selected to the JUCO Advocate showcase. Boyed suffered a season-ending injury five games into the 2023-24 season, but he showed improvement, especially as a scorer. He scored in double-figures in four of his five appearances, topping 15 points twice, and finished with 12.6 points a game on 53.3% shooting and attempted 5.3 free throws.
Boyed biggest assets are his size and athleticism. He is a quick jumper who excels around the rim and as a shot-blocker. He is strong and can put the ball on the floor.
Before committing to Baylor, Boyed held several offers from other major conference teams, including California, Colorado, Nebraska, Northern Illinois, Ohio State, Oklahoma, UAB, and Washington State.
“He’s such a humble guy,” coach Jacob Brandl said about Boyed.
The 3 Big Ten Schools Know To Be Pursuing Boyed
While Creighton is among other teams interested in Boyed, here is a look at the three Big Ten programs that have reached out. Boyd should have three years of eligibility since injury limited to five games at McCook this past season. Wherever Boyed lands, he projects as an end-of-the-rotation big man with the potential to grow into a solid contributor.
Wiscon Badgers
Wisconsin has depth at center, with Nolan Winter backing up starter Steven Crowl. The Badgers recently brought in power forward Xavier Amos from Northern Illinois to join Carter Gilmore and Chris Hodges as their frontcourt players. However, Ben Kenney of Badger Wire believes that Boyed could earn some minutes with the Badgers if that is who he signs with.
Dillon Graff of Badger Notes reported that Boyed has set up a visit with the Badgers.
McCook Community College (JUCO) transfer center Noah Boyed will visit Wisconsin men’s basketball, @Badger_Notes has learned.
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) May 3, 2024
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State, which posted a 10-4 record (2-1 NIT) after Jake Diebler took over the program this past season, lost eight players in the transfer portal or graduation. However, just two of the Buckeyes who departed played in the frontcourt.
Diebler picked up his sixth commitment for 2024, Duke transfer Sean Stewart, earlier today. Stewart, Kentucky transfer Aaron Bradshaw and Devin Royal are expected to anchor the Buckeyes frontcourt. Freshman Colin White will be part of the frontcourt depth, though Andy Anders of Eleven Warriors said that the Buckeyes intend to use their remaining scholarship to add more frontcourt depth.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota lost seven players to the transfer portal, including three frontcourt players. The Golden Gophers brought in Cansius transfer center Frank Mitchell. Head coach Ben Johnson also has signed three-star power forward Grayson Grove. But the Gophers certainly need to add some more depth behind Dawson Garcia.
