The latest college hoops transfer portal news in Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island (URI) women’s basketball team secured a commitment from former UNLV forward Jacob Bannarbie, while Mia Fiore, a state native, returned home to join URI after two seasons at Merrimack. Meanwhile, Providence College and Bryant University announced transfers, with three Bryant players heading to Southeastern Louisiana, as the NCAA transfer portal remains active until summer with local teams like URI, Providence, and Bryant continuing recruitment efforts.
The University of Rhode Island (URI) women’s basketball program added a key transfer as former UNLV forward Jacob Bannarbie committed to the Rams. Bannarbie, a big man from Providence, will join URI after his time in Nevada, aiming to establish himself in the paint. His commitment marks the first for URI in over two weeks, suggesting their 2026-27 roster is largely set. Meanwhile, Mia Fiore, a Rhode Island native, will return home to URI after two seasons at Merrimack. Fiore, a 5-foot-10 guard, averaged 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds last season while shooting 35.5% from three-point range. She was a standout in high school, earning Most Valuable Player and NEPSAC Class B champion honors at St. George’s before joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Fiore’s commitment makes her the fifth transfer to join URI under new coach Colleen Mullen. The Rams also welcomed three new assistant coaches: Catherine Cassidy, Carly Fabbri, and Taya Robinson. Fabbri will serve as recruiting coordinator, while Shae O’Brien was named director of basketball operations. Mullen retained guards Sophia Vital and Amori Jarrett from Providence College, with Vital expected to play a key role after her NCAA Tournament experience in 2025-26. Elsewhere in Rhode Island, Providence College announced a transfer as well, with former Bryant player Jacob Bannarbie switching coasts. Bryant, meanwhile, saw three players depart for Southeastern Louisiana, where they will join a revamped roster in the Southland Conference. The NCAA transfer portal remains open until summer, with local teams like URI, Providence, and Bryant continuing recruitment efforts. URI’s transfer portal activity suggests their roster is nearly complete, while Providence and Bryant remain active. The portal closed to new entries after the national championship games, though coaching changes or NCAA waivers could still allow transfers. Players typically finalize their futures before offseason workouts, balancing fit, role, and name, image, and likeness rights.
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