Shulga, Bairstow enter transfer portal

LOGAN — While Utah State Men’s Basketball searches for its next head coach, guards Max Shulga and Sean Bairstow announced they were entering the transfer portal via Instagram on Monday morning. 

Shulga is set to depart after seeing two coaching changes in Craig Smith and Ryan Odom. He actually entered the portal after Smith left, but decided to return to USU. Shulga averaged 11.9 points per game and made 55 3-pointers, third most on the team, for the Aggies in the 2022-23 season.

He expressed his gratitude to Aggie fans in an Instagram post. 

“To the fans and the people in Logan, thank you for welcoming an 18 year old kid with open arms,” Shulga wrote. “No matter where basketball takes me, this is an experience I’ll remember and cherish forever.”

Shulga has two years of eligibility left. 

After four seasons in Aggie blue, Bairstow is looking for other opportunities. He averaged 10.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in the 2022-23 season. Bairstow said Utah State fans are what made his “college career so special” in an Instagram post. 

“I want to thank Utah State, as well as all involved in the athletic program for your support and guidance throughout my time here,’ Bairstow wrote. “To the Hurd and all our fans, thank you for your unwavering support and passion for Aggie basketball. You have made my college experience so special, and I am so thankful to have called the spectrum home.”

Bairstow has one year of eligibility remaining. 

Center Szymon Zapala has also entered the portal per a report from Verbal Commits. 

The transfer portal for men’s basketball closes on May 11.

Featured image is a Statesman file photo from the March 9, 2022 contest against Air Force.