Gavin Sykes was a freshman last season at Long Beach State. He had a very good season for the team averaging 19.4 points per game. The combo guard just recently entered the transfer portal and could provide intrigue for the Bruins. Long Beach State plays in the Big West Conference. Which is not a powerful conference, but that doesn’t discredit it how good Sykes was this season. He can score the ball very effectively and can play both guard positions.
Long Beach State guard Gavin Sykes, the Big West Freshman of the Year, plans to enter the @TransferPortal, his agency PNW Sports Group told @On3. ⁰⁰The 6-4 freshman avergaged 19.4 points per game, shooting nearly 39% from three. Was also Second Team All-Big West.… pic.twitter.com/kylOt3jeHP
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 3, 2026
While averaging 19.4 points per game in 28 games played in 2025. He was able to do that on a very good shooting line of 47.3/38.7/79.5. Showing that he is a three-level scorer and ready to take his talents to a high major. With three years of eligibility remaining that becomes a key piece to his transfer hopes. Teams love having players for multiple years because they can develop in their system. Three years is just an absolute gift that you get.
Sykes led Long Beach State in scoring as they struggled record wise for a second straight year going 10-22. Sykes is from Sacramento and played his high school ball at Modesto Christian. So, it makes sense that he stayed in California when he was being recruited. Now UCLA could offer him a power four opportunity right here staying in California again. Sykes will succeed at a larger school for his ability to put the ball in the basket.
LBSU CG Gavin Sykes will enter The Transfer Portal, a source tells me. Confirmed by @JonChep
Another one of the best Mid Majors Guards, are moving on to presumably a P5 program. Gavin is very skillful, and unique in his traits as a 6’5 Ball Handler with a 3 level scoring… pic.twitter.com/W7HCKC6Llz
— Dylan (@BigBlueDylan) April 3, 2026
UCLA needs to be aggressive in the transfer portal, but it remains to be seen what NIL money they have. Sykes shouldn’t come in the money that some of these top rated transfers are about to get. So, he could be a really good option for Mick Cronin to build a three-guard set. As the Bruins definitely need to improve on scoring the basketball consistently. Focusing on not going stagnant for long periods of time again.