Courtney Ramey

A four year starter at Texas, Ramey was the Longhorns’ biggest departure in last year’s transfer portal. After a standout career in Austin, Ramey is now a graduate guard for No. 8 Arizona, who finished with a 25–6 regular season record and as the No. 2 seed in the Pac 12 this season.

“Courtney (has been a) tremendous addition to our program,” Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said to the Arizona Daily Star. 

Ramey has started most games for the Wildcats and averages 10.8 points per game in 2022-23, in addition to regularly defending the opponent’s most dangerous perimeter player.

This season, Ramey is shooting 40.5% from beyond the arc after sporting a 36.5% mark from three during his time as a Longhorn.

Recently named an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention, Ramey will hope to cap off his storied five-year collegiate career with a standout showing in the NCAA Tournament. 

Arizona is projected as a top-three seed in March Madness, and Ramey could face his old Texas teammates if both teams are placed in the West Regional.

Kamaka Hepa

Kamaka Hepa started at Texas in 2018-19 — the first of three seasons under former head coach Shaka Smart. In 2021-22, Hepa transferred to Hawaii. Now concluding his fifth year of college basketball, Hepa brings untold experience to a Hawaii team competing in the Big West.

Hepa, whose ethnic background includes both Iñupiat and Hawaiian ancestry, elected to transfer to the Rainbow Warriors partly to be closer to his roots. 

“Knowing that we’re literally connected to the state of Hawaii by our blood is a really special thing,” Hepa said. 

In addition to cultural ties, Hepa was drawn to Hawaii by the promise of a bigger role. At Texas, Hepa only started in 12 games in three seasons. Over the past two years at Hawaii, the senior forward has started all 59 games he has appeared in. 

Compared to his 2.3 points in 11.2 minutes per game as a Longhorn, Hepa’s 10.7 points and 30.4 minutes per contest at Hawaii are a marked improvement. This statistical production is on a lesser team against weaker competition, but the opportunity to showcase his skills is valuable to the former four-star recruit.

Having exhausted his college eligibility, Hepa hopes to become the first Iñupiat player to suit up in an NBA game. After largely finding himself on the bench in Austin, Hepa has found opportunity far more plentiful in Honolulu.

Tre Mitchell 

Tre Mitchell left Texas under acrimonious circumstances last season after taking a personal leave of absence midway through Big 12 play and never again suiting up in burnt orange. The senior forward transferred to conference foe West Virginia this season, where he’s enjoyed a return to prominence. 

The Pittsburgh-area senior, who started at UMass before his year in Austin, has found a home in Morgantown.

“(Being) this close to home, … it’s almost like God dropped it in my lap,” Mitchell said.

Being comfortable off the court has made a difference on the hardwood, as Mitchell is averaging 11.6 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Mountaineers this season. Both marks are an uptick on his 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest at Texas. 

Though Mitchell was unable to exact revenge in either conference matchup against Texas, he has become increasingly vital for the Mountaineers as the season has gone on. 

“I’m really proud of how hard (Mitchell’s) worked and how far he’s come,” West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins said. 

West Virginia is projected to make the NCAA Tournament, likely as a No. 9 seed, where Mitchell will make his March Madness debut. 

The senior forward has one additional year of college eligibility due to a COVID-19 waiver, but participated in Senior Day festivities this season.