East Carolina University has lost a key standout forward to the NCAA transfer portal, delivering a significant blow to the Pirates’ frontcourt ahead of the upcoming season.
Reid Cason, the 6-foot-10 sophomore from Kingston, Oklahoma, emerged as a key contributor for head coach Michael Schwartz’s squad during the 2025-26 campaign. The forward appeared in 31 games, making 12 starts, and established himself as one of the team’s most reliable interior presences. He averaged 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest while leading the Pirates in blocked shots with 30 on the season.
Cason’s development marked a significant step forward in his second year with the program. His defensive instincts and length made him a valuable asset in the paint, and he played a crucial role in several key victories, including a memorable win over Memphis on March 1, 2026, when his clutch second-half layup helped seal the outcome.
The loss of Cason represents a substantial setback for ECU, which finished the season with a 16-16 overall record. With two years of eligibility remaining, the star forward is expected to draw significant interest from programs across the country as he explores his next destination.
ECU now faces the challenge of retooling its roster through the spring transfer window as it looks to fill the void left by one of its most promising frontcourt players.
