Transfer Update: Joseph Smoyer, Jake Spurgeon, Niko Bevens
Recently a couple of former Oregon prep standouts decided on new four-year college homes – Joseph Smoyer (2016 Franklin), Jake Spurgeon (2015 Lakeridge), and Niko Bevens (2017 Beaverton).
After two years at home at the University of Portland, Smoyer will be heading to the East Coast to play in the Ivy League. The 6-foot-10 post visited both Brown and Columbia and decided he will continue his career at Columbia.
“I visited there and liked it a lot,” Smoyer said. “It’s in the Ivy League and New York is pretty cool, that adds to the draw. I like the guys there a lot and the coaches really know what they’re doing. I felt that I fit in there really well.”
Smoyer averaged 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 9.4 minutes a game his two years on the Bluff. While mainly used in the post at UP, Smoyer feels he will get a chance to showcase his game as a stretch four or five at Columbia. As a Division I transfer, Smoyer will sit out the 2018-19 season as a redshirt.
Also changing locations is Jake Spurgeon. The 6-foot-6 swingman is heading south from Seattle University to the Los Angeles area at Division II Azusa Pacific.
“I’m really excited,” Spurgeon said. “I like the coaches and the location is really nice – it’s a good change for me having been in the Pacific Northwest all my life. I like their offense and the players are good people. It’s a good opportunity for me.”
Spurgeon played the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons at Seattle University, sitting out the the 2016-17 season with a foot injury. In his two years, he averaged 2.5 points and 1.0 rebounds. His role will certainly increase at Azusa Pacific where he hopes to utilize his ability to score at all three levels. Going from Division I to Division II, Spurgeon is available to play immediately.
Bevens played this past season at Montana after spending his freshman season at North Idaho College. With the Grizzlies, the 6-foot-6 guard averaged 0.2 points in 15 games. He will play next season at Alaska-Anchorage where he will be eligible to play next fall.