The Kent State men’s basketball program got a commitment on Monday afternoon from point guard Cian Medley, a 5-11, 165 pound transfer from St. Louis.
Medley spent his freshman season with the Bilikens of the Atlantic 10, a season that saw them go 13-20 and a #14 seed in the A-10 tournament. That led to the dismissal of Head Coach Travis Ford.
Medley started 19 games of the 33 he and SLU competed in this year. He averaged 4.3 points per game, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game. Medley shot it a respectable 35.7% from the three point line, but struggled overall from the field at 34.4%.
The product of tradition rich Camden High School in New Jersey, Medley gives the Flashes the transfer portal point guard they have been coveting, with losses to Gio Santiago (graduation), as well as Jalen Sullinger (portal) and Reggie Bass (portal).
A pure, pass first point guard, Medley is quick and aggressive in getting to the basket and making plays for others. He is dynamic in transition with elite vision, also the ability to make the simple advance pass look easy.
Medley plays with a bounce in his game, and will look to make others around him better. KSU’s bigs should benefit from him as he can get them clean looks around the rim.
Known as a streaky jump shooter, if Medley can work on that part of his game, KSU will be looking at another elite lead guard to navigate Rob Senderoff’s team.
Medley played at historic Camden High School in New Jersey, the same high school that produced NBA player DaJuan Wagner. Medley played and graduated alongside three other Division I college players, including Wagner’s son D.J. (Kentucky commit and in transfer portal). Medley also played with Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky commit and announced transfer to Ohio State Monday) and Cornelius Robinson (Albany). At most other schools, Medley would have been the number one option. He is used to getting everyone involved and cares about winning, the number one attribute KSU looks for in recruiting.
This may or may not be the finishing touch on the 2024-2025 roster, barring any surprises. If it is, Senderoff and staff deserve to be commended on structuring a roster that at least on paper, will have a chance to compete for a MAC title.
Senderoff speaks about how in recruiting, they recruit to a known commodity, not a vision of what could happen, or hope…but winning. 26 straight non-losing seasons allow that to happen.
With the additions of Medley and Boston U. transfer Anthony Morales, they hopefully have acquired players who care about winning more than anything and have “basketball character.”