Who is staying under Tony Skinn?

A look at the roster after some of the transfer portal dust has settled

A new coach almost always means a lot of roster movement and that’s been the case so far this offseason for George Mason. The Patriots were already in the position of getting some new guys anyway with a lot of players on their last year of eligibility. The big retainment news however came yesterday when Ronald Polite announced he’s staying with new head coach Tony Skinn. Those two both being Maryland native ballers probably helped the situation and it goes a long way in stabilizing the backcourt for next season.

#ronny @ronnypolite

i’m with you! let’s go! https://t.co/0IIHGTqSSV

Tony Skinn @CoachTonySkinn

🤫 https://t.co/4UOrfRpKQz

Last week forward Malik Henry went on instagram live and mentioned he was staying to finish what he started. He also mentioned Devin Dinkins would be staying and I believe gave reference that incoming freshman Austin Ball was also keeping his commitment to Mason. If Dinkins stays it at least give the possibility of him playing the point and having Polite maybe play some of the two guard spot.

〽️alik Henry 🦍🏀 @malikhenry_35

The BEAST is staying in Fairfax 🔰 What’s good Mason Nation?

Among the other recruits, Rich Barron says he’s going to Providence to join Kim English and Desmond White mentioned yesterday he is re-opening his recruitment. The newest recruit Jordan Marsh is still unknown but it would seem likely for him to stay considering he committed so much later and didn’t have nearly as many offers.

Desmond White @Dez2White

Bet on myself🤞🏾

Davonte “Ticket” Gaines just recently entered the portal and since he didn’t immediately jump ship, there’s hope there he may return as well. We don’t know yet but obviously keeping him would be a huge get.

Players lost:

Josh Oduro - Providence

Justyn Fernandez - Providence

Rich Barron - ‘23 recruit (Providence)

Players retained:

Ronald Polite

Malik Henry

Devin Dinkins

Austin Ball - ‘23 recruit

Jordan Marsh - ‘23 recruit

Undecided players:

Davonte “Ticket” Gaines - in portal

Elvis Nnaji - in portal

Desmond White - ‘23 recruit (re-opened recruitment)

Ginika Ojiako - in portal

Blake Jones - in portal

Luckily with the current transfer portal rules it’s just as easy to fill spots as it is to lose them after a coaching chance. Skinn has been busy looking at guys before even setting up his office in Fairfax. Some intriguing names such as former Maryland players who Skinn coached last season such as Ike Cornish.

Dushawn London @DushawnLondon1

Maryland transfer Ike Cornish will take official visits to St Bonaventure, Grand Canyon, and George Mason per @Dwayne_Wise

George Mason Recruiting @GMURecruiting

Siena transfer Jared Billups (@jaredbillups1_) has heard from George Mason. 6’4 guard who started 30/31 games last season averaging 8.1 PPG & 6.6 RPG. Outstanding defensively. Waldorf, MD native.

Times Union @timesunion

The Siena men’s basketball program has lost another player to the NCAA transfer portal. https://t.co/irE88j2Zml

PortalUpdates @portal_updates

UNLV transfer Keyshawn Hall tells Portal Updates that he’s been offered by the new staff at George Mason. The 6’7” guard has gathered up a lot of interest since entering the portal.

NCAA Transfer Portal @RivalsPortal

Miami freshman big man Favour Aire has entered the transfer portal. Former 4-star HS prospect who appeared in 14 games for the Hurricanes. Keep an eye on George Mason for Aire.

n.rivals.comFavour Aire, Freshman HS Center - Rivals.comFavour Aire - Center for Miami (FL) on CanesCounty

Jake @jakeweingarten

Virginia Tech transfer Darren Buchanan Jr. will take an official visit to George Washington this weekend, he told @stockrisers. In addition, George Mason’s new staff reached out. Also talked with Providence recently. Four years remaining.

@baraka.okojie @baraka_okojie

Blessed to receive a Division 1 offer from George Mason University @VerbalCommits @Canada_Elite @DMEAcademyMBB @GeorgeMasonU

There are also some guys from Seton Hall who are in the portal that Skinn worked with while coaching there before Maryland. There are plenty of options out there and we should start to see some movement soon. Still an up hill battle for a new coach to have to fill so many spots but they are off to a good start and still have a few players that may jump out of the portal and come back to the program so we’ll see.