WSU basketball forward Rihards Vavers is officially leaving the Palouse. After two years in the Crimson and Gray, the 6-foot-7 Latvian native will be entering his name into the transfer portal. 

Late in March, rumors circulated that Vavers would be entering the portal when it opens. He quickly dispelled these via social media, saying that he had not decided what his future held. 

Flash forward a few weeks and he proved the rumors right. 

“These 2 years have taught me so much about myself and every day taught me how to become a better player, and also how to become a better man!” Vavers said in a statement to social media. “After much consideration and discussion, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal.” 

Although he only played 16 games his first year with WSU, he nearly doubled his playing time this year by appearing in 29 games. In that 29-game span, he averaged 25.3 minutes, 11.5 points per game and led the squad with 73 3-pointers. 

Safe to say, Vavers’ departure is a gutting blow to the Coug offense. While he was injury-prone during his Coug career, the production he brought to the court will be hard to replace. 

Vavers marks the seventh Coug to announce portal plans. The list includes ND Okafor, Tomas Thrastarson, Parker Gerrits, Eemeli Yalaho, Kase Wynott and Emmanuel Ugbo. 

How the Cougs address these departures in the transfer portal is unknown. But, with Okafor, Yalaho and now Vavers on the way out, the Cougs will be hard-pressed for some offense this offseason.  

The NCAA basketball transfer portal will officially open on April 7 and close on April 21.