The NCAA is playing around with the idea of a rule change and Duke Brennan is making sure that he is covered.
The Villanova big man has entered the transfer portal, according to OG6 Sports Management. The announcement was made on Friday as Brennan made a statement via the agency:
“In light of recent developments regarding the NCAA’s adoption of a five-season eligibility rule, I have been informed that I potentially meet and satisfy the anticipated criteria for an additional season of eligibility, having
participated in four consecutive seasons without utilizing a redshirt. Based on this anticipated guidance and directive from the NCAA, my legal team has advised me to enter the current transfer portal to make sure that my rights are preserved and protected regardless of how and when the NCAA passes this eligibility rule.”
Brennan transferred to Villanova last year from Grand Canyon. He averaged 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. There is now seven Wildcats in the transfer portal. Brennan joins Acaden Lewis, Bryce Lindsay, Braden Pierce, Zion Stanford, Malcolm Flaggs, and Nico Onyekwere.
There have been rumors about the NCAA throwing around the idea of a five-year eligibility rule. This would give players five years from their 19th birthday or high school graduation with no redshirts or waivers. If this rule is passed, it would be interesting to see how a player like Brennan would fit into the mix. For now, it seems like a long shot that he gets granted one final year but anything is possible.
If Brennan does get one more year, could a return to Villanova be in the cards? The answer is yes but more work needs to be done.
As of now, Villanova lost both big men from last season, along with freshman Onyekwere. The frontcourt is bare so multiple pieces will need to be added. The good news is, Brennan should not deter head coach Kevin Willard from adding other bigs. This is led by Kwame Evans Jr., who was on campus Friday for a visit.
Evans has shown interest in playing the four where he can stretch out a bit and show off his versatile skillset. Whether it be Evans, Brennan, a combination of the two, or others, the Wildcats need size and that should be a priority this offseason.
