Former Maine high school boys basketball standout Keegan Hyland will transfer from Gonzaga University to the University of Vermont men’s basketball team.
Hyland confirmed the move in a phone interview Sunday evening, saying he’s excited to join the defending America East Conference champions who are off to an 11-4 start this season.
“I just felt like, in the situation I had, and the (UVM) program doing so well and the Burlington atmosphere…I think it’s pretty special,” said Hyland, who said he also considered Maine. “I will have an opportunity to contribute to the team next year.”
Under NCAA and UVM rules, coach Mike Lonergan can’t comment until Hyland signs a National Letter of Intent and is admitted to the university.
Due to transfer rules, Hyland won’t be eligible to play the remainder of this season. He will likely be eligible next season by late December or the second semester.
The 6-foot-4 freshman recently asked for and received his release from Gonzaga. Hyland received a full scholarship from Gonzaga last spring after mulling several options that included prep school and UVM.
“I was pretty close a couple of years ago,” said Hyland of coming to UVM.
But Hyland’s short time at Gonzaga didn’t go as planned. A number of factors, including a concussion suffered before the team’s season opener, put Hyland behind schedule.
“It was a combination of things. The distance was more of a factor than I originally thought,” he said. “I knew I wanted to be closer to home and I wanted to play next year.”
