WVU Basketball Interested in UC Santa Barbara Wing

6'8 transfer Colin Smith has drawn interest from multiple programs, including West Virginia.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:41pm

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WVU basketball is reportedly interested in 6-foot-8 transfer wing Colin Smith from UC Santa Barbara. Smith, a rising redshirt senior, started all 31 games for the Gauchos last season, averaging 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 29.5 minutes per game. He also shot 45.1% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range.

Why it matters

Adding a versatile 6'8 wing like Smith could be a major boost for West Virginia's roster as they look to build on their recent success. Smith's combination of size, scoring ability, and perimeter shooting would make him an attractive target for the Mountaineers.

The details

Smith has garnered interest from a number of programs, including West Virginia, SMU, Baylor, Texas Tech, and several others. Last season marked his second with the Gauchos, as he averaged 8.7 points per game in the 2024-25 season with 10 starts in 20 games. Smith would make WVU's second transfer commitment this offseason, having landed forward Javan Buchanan on Friday.

  • Smith is a rising redshirt senior for the 2026-27 season.
  • He started all 31 games for UC Santa Barbara last year.

The players

Colin Smith

A 6'8 transfer wing from UC Santa Barbara who averaged 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 29.5 minutes per game last season.

Javan Buchanan

A forward who West Virginia landed as a transfer this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“6'8 Wing Colin Smith from UC Santa Barbara has garnered interest from the following programs, per his representatives @Octagon”

— Dushawn London, 247 Sports Reporter

The takeaway

West Virginia is looking to bolster their roster with talented transfers like Colin Smith, who could provide a significant boost to their frontcourt with his size, scoring ability, and perimeter shooting. Adding Smith would be a major coup for the Mountaineers as they aim to build on their recent success.