Evan Mahaffey, a 6-foot-6 forward from Cincinnati, Ohio, has entered the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes. This decision marks his third collegiate destination, following a freshman year at Penn State in 2022-2023.
Career at Ohio State
Mahaffey transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2023-2024 season, initially assuming the starting small forward position. In his first year with the Buckeyes, he averaged 4.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game over 22.1 minutes. His performance earned him a significant role, starting 35 of the team’s 36 games.
The 2024-2025 season saw a shift in Mahaffey’s role. With the arrival of Micah Parrish, Mahaffey transitioned to a bench role, averaging 18 minutes per game. He contributed 3.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game.
Background and Transfer History
Before joining Ohio State, Mahaffey played his freshman year at Penn State, where he averaged 2.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. His transfer to Ohio State was influenced by personal reasons, notably his desire to be closer to family during his father’s health challenges, including a heart transplant.
Impact on Ohio State
During his tenure with the Buckeyes, Mahaffey appeared in 102 games, starting 38. His versatility allowed him to adapt to various roles, from a starter to a key bench contributor. His departure adds to the Buckeyes’ challenges, as they also lose senior wing Micah Parrish to graduation. The team now looks to junior Devin Royal and sophomore Colin White to step up in the wing positions, making wing player acquisition a priority in the transfer portal.
Looking Ahead
As Mahaffey seeks a new program for his final year of eligibility, his experience and adaptability make him a valuable prospect. Coaches will likely be drawn to his defensive prowess and ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. Mahaffey’s journey reflects the dynamic nature of collegiate basketball, where players frequently seek environments that align with their personal and professional goals.
