By ADAM ZAGORIA
Jayden Saddler, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound transfer guard from Southern University, committed to Saint Peter’s on Wednesday.
The Maryland native averaged 11.1 points, 4.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds last season as a senior and was an All-SWAC selection. He also considered Albany, Illinois-Chicago, and Tarleton State.
“Honestly it was Coach [Bashir] Mason,” Saddler said. “I really believe in what he represents, the passion and enthusiasm he brings towards the game, and it was a feeling that he gave me that made me say this is the place for me.”
As for his skillset, he said: “I’d say i’m a explosive guard with a quick first step that can run a team, also get teammates involved to get them open shots, and also can go get one for myself. But defense intensity I bring it every day.”
Saint Peter’s has also added Bowling Green transfer Cam Young, an athletic 6-7 forward from Swedesboro, N.J. who averaged 3.2 points and 2.8 rebounds as a sophomore. He has three years of eligibility left.
Saddler will join returning guards Juju Murray, Marty Silvera, and Isiah Dasher from a team that stunned No. 2 Kentucky, No. 7 Murray State and No. 3 Purdue before falling to eventual national runner-up North Carolina in the Elite 8.
Three Saint Peter’s guards have already transferred: Doug Edert to Bryant, Daryl Banks III to St. Bonaventure and, most recently, Matthew Lee to Missouri State. Star forward KC Ndefo is also in the Transfer Portal and has declared for the NBA Draft.
The Peacocks will be honored Friday by Gov. Phil Murphy at the Governor’s Mansion.
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