UTC men add grad transfer

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s basketball program is getting a boost to its outside game with the addition of graduate transfer Matt Ryan.

The 6-foot-8 wing played two seasons at the University of Notre Dame before transferring to Vanderbilt. He sat out 201718 due to NCAA transfer rules and this past season averaged 8.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 29 games (25 starts).

Ryan said the chance to play for UTC coach Lamont Paris was the reason for the move.

“It’s all about Lamont,” he said. “Chattanooga got a gem in him, and I can’t wait to get to work with him. I actually played against him in the Sweet 16 when he was (an assistant) at Wisconsin, so he got to see me play. I’m looking to end my college career right, and that’s in Chattanooga with Coach Paris.”

Ryan had nine double-digit scoring games for the Commodores, with a high of 19 against UNC-Asheville, and was seventh in the Southeastern Conference in 3-point attempts with 180, making 59 (32.8%).

Paris was searching for a dependable shooter with Kevin Easley, Jerry Johnson Jr. and Donovann Toatley, who combined to make 132 3-pointers a year ago, leaving the program via transfer. Also departed is Thomas Smallwood, who led the Mocs in 3-point shooting as a senior this past season (29-of-62).

Ryan committed to Notre Dame after earning New York state Mr. Basketball honors after his high school senior season at Iona Prep, where he averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

In two seasons with the Fighting Irish, he played in all 52 games, averaging 5.6 points as a freshman with 46 made 3-pointers and 3.6 points as a sophomore, when he had a career-high 23 points versus Chico State. Ryan had a memorable NCAA tournament debut against Michigan as a freshman, with his 3-pointer helping spark a comeback win.