Transfers reunited with former programs

Bryce Hopkins could almost feel it coming, long before the NCAA Tournament selection committee had unveiled its 68-team bracket.

The Providence star just knew the Friars’ path would start with Kentucky — the place where he started his college career before deciding to transfer.

He wasn’t alone. Pittsburgh forward Blake Hinson got his own such date, facing the Iowa State team he left behind to help spark the Panthers’ revival.

Fate? Fitting? Either way, a quirk of the bracket has two reunions taking place Friday under the same Greensboro Coliseum roof but in different regions — both featuring players who are leading their new teams in scoring. The scenario could become much more common in the transferportal era, with freer player movement evolving into de facto free agency.

“It’s interesting, I don’t think young people are as emotional about this stuff as we maybe adults are,” Pittsburgh coach Jeff Capel said. “They’re able to move on very, very quickly and turn the page.”

The tournament has already produced one such matchup: Arizona State’s Desmond Cambridge Jr. scored 17 points in a First Four win over Nevada on Wednesday night.

Now Hopkins and Hinson will get theirs. Hinson is first when his 11th-seeded Panthers face the sixthseeded Cyclones in the Midwest Region. Hopkins’ 11thseeded Friars follow, facing the sixth-seeded Wildcats in the East.

“I’m not trying to go out and prove anything to them,” Hopkins said. “I’m just want to go out and put my team in the best position to win. People are saying it’s a revenge game — I’m not looking at it like that. I’m just trying to go out and move to the next round.”

Maybe so. The vibe was certainly different in how Hopkins and Hinson talked — or didn’t — about reconnecting with their former programs.

Hinson, a 6-foot-7 fifthyear junior, is averaging 15.5 points and 6.1 rebounds for Pittsburgh, mixing an outside-shooting stroke (38.8% from 3-point range) with a sturdy 235-pound frame. He helped Pitt win its First Four game against Mississippi State to reach this matchup, but had little to say about it.

“I’m just ready to play my next game in March Madness,” he said, “and I’m focused on winning.”