ACC Standout Divine Ugochukwu Draws Texas Tech’s Attention as Transfer Portal Frenzy Intensifies in Hunt for Future Floor General
As college basketball’s transfer portal continues to churn with activity, one name that has emerged as a hot commodity is Divine Ugochukwu, a talented point guard from the University of Miami. Ugochukwu, who played for the Hurricanes during the 2024-25 season, has reportedly piqued the interest of several major programs, with Texas Tech now joining the fray in pursuit of his services.
Though the transfer portal window officially closed recently, it’s clear that the recruiting battle is far from over, as teams continue to fill out their rosters for the 2025-26 season. Texas Tech, in particular, has been actively seeking a point guard to solidify their backcourt, and Ugochukwu, a promising young talent, is now at the top of their list.
Ugochukwu’s Journey and Promise
Ugochukwu, a freshman last season, played in 28 games for the Miami Hurricanes, starting in 16 of them. While his numbers may not jump off the page—averaging 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game—his potential has caught the attention of several high-profile programs. The Sugar Land, Texas native has shown flashes of brilliance, making him a sought-after player despite his relatively modest statistical output as a freshman.
The 6-foot-4 point guard made a significant impact in the ACC, providing solid minutes and showing a high basketball IQ. Ugochukwu’s ability to facilitate Miami’s offense, coupled with his solid defense, has turned him into a player that many power programs believe can make an immediate impact. His performance has garnered attention from a variety of schools, with Texas Tech among the leading suitors.
Other notable programs that have shown interest in Ugochukwu include Kentucky, Baylor, Pitt, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Dayton, South Florida, Vanderbilt, High Point, Ball State, and Louisiana—a testament to his growing reputation in the basketball world.
Texas Tech’s Point Guard Search
For Texas Tech, the need for a point guard has become more urgent as the Red Raiders look to solidify their backcourt for the upcoming season. While sophomore Christian Anderson has announced his return for the 2025-26 season, the program is facing uncertainty at the point guard position. Elijah Hawkins, the team’s senior point guard, is in the transfer portal as he awaits clarity on whether the NCAA will grant an extra year of eligibility for athletes who have completed their four years of eligibility. If Hawkins returns, it would provide the Red Raiders with a proven leader at the position, but his future is still up in the air.
Hawkins had an outstanding 2024-25 campaign, averaging 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. His performance played a key role in Texas Tech’s run to the Elite Eight, making him a critical component of their success. If the NCAA does decide to offer an extra year of eligibility for seniors, Hawkins could return to Lubbock and continue to run the point guard spot for head coach Grant McCasland. However, Texas Tech is preparing for all possibilities and considering other options in the transfer portal, with Ugochukwu now a prominent name on their radar.
A Future with Ugochukwu?
Even if Hawkins returns, adding Ugochukwu could be a smart move for the Red Raiders. The Texas native would provide an infusion of youthful energy and talent, and with three years of eligibility remaining, Ugochukwu could be part of the program’s long-term plans. His ability to develop alongside fellow young talent would be a valuable asset for McCasland as he looks to build a team that can contend in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
However, the challenge for Texas Tech—and other programs interested in Ugochukwu—is that he is likely seeking a situation where he can immediately contribute and earn significant playing time. With Hawkins possibly returning, it’s unclear whether Ugochukwu would have the opportunity to take on a major role at Texas Tech next season. This could be a sticking point for the talented point guard, as he is likely looking for a team where he can be the primary ball handler and develop into a leader.
Ugochukwu’s Recruiting History
Before transferring from Miami, Ugochukwu was a highly-regarded recruit out of high school. As a 3-star prospect in the class of 2024, he held offers from several programs, including Miami, Baylor, Texas A&M, SMU, and a variety of mid-major schools. He was rated as the No. 251 overall player in his class and the No. 14 player in Texas, which added to his allure as a player with significant upside.
Given the extensive interest Ugochukwu has garnered from top-tier programs, it’s clear that his future in college basketball is bright. Whether he chooses to return home to Texas with the Red Raiders or joins another high-profile program remains to be seen, but it’s certain that his decision will be one to watch in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
As Texas Tech continues its quest for a point guard, Ugochukwu could provide the perfect fit for the Red Raiders, whether or not Hawkins returns. His blend of size, skill, and promise make him a player capable of making an immediate impact on the college basketball landscape.
The transfer portal remains an ever-evolving and dynamic part of the college basketball offseason, and Ugochukwu’s recruitment is just one of many intriguing storylines. With several schools vying for his talents, it will be fascinating to see where the dynamic point guard ultimately lands. For Texas Tech, securing Ugochukwu could be the move that propels the program to new heights, both in the short term and the long term.
As the transfer portal continues to heat up, all eyes will be on Ugochukwu and the next step in his promising basketball journey.
