Gamecocks transfer lands with perennially successful Big East program, report says
Jair Bolden’s time in the NCAA transfer portal reportedly didn’t last long.
Stadium’s Jeff Goodman reported the South Carolina basketball graduate transfer landed with the Butler Bulldogs and coach LaVall Jordan. It’s Bolden’s second career transfer after starting at George Washington and spending two years as a Gamecock, one sitting out.
Bolden went into the transfer portal less than 10 days prior to landing with the Bulldogs.
The fourth-year junior was the team’s best 3-point shooter at 41.2%. He averaged 8.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 21.4 minutes a game. He played in 30 contests, starting 15.
Bolden played hero in the team’s 79-59 road upset of No. 10 Virginia with 22 points on 13 shots.
In his lone season played for the Gamecocks he was capable of some high-end offensive performances, but was inconsistent and at times had issues on the defensive end. He didn’t play in the team’s upset of SEC champion Kentucky in Columbia.
Bolden had been a double-digit scorer at GW and was projected to fit a variety of backcourt roles during his year sitting out. He ended up settling in as a shooting guard, often alongside a point guard and AJ Lawson in a de facto small forward role.
Butler had made the NCAA tournament in 11 or 13 seasons and at 22-9, appeared a likely participant this year before the NCAA tournament was canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Bulldogs are losing leading scorer Kamar Baldwin, the team’s top option in the backcourt.
