Xavier star Claude enters transfer portal; Musketeers add former Indiana State guard

A busy Friday for the Xavier Musketeers men's basketball program saw one star player depart the program and another high-scoring guard added to the roster. On Friday morning, guard Desmond Claude, last season's Big East Most Improved Player, announced that he is entering the transfer portal. After averaging just under five points per game during his freshman season in 2022-23, Claude took a major step forward for Sean Miller's Musketeers last season, averaging 16.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in a leading role on offense. Claude struggled to shoot from beyond the arc, connecting on just 23 percent of his threes, though he was much more efficient from inside and at the free-throw line.