Washington guard Desmond Claude enters NCAA transfer portal

Washington guard Desmond Claude has entered the NCAA transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos reports. He is seeking a medical hardship waiver for a fifth and final season.

Claude began his career at Xavier, where he stayed for two seasons. Claude transferred to USC for his junior season before the New Haven, CT native committed to Washington last offseason.

However, Claude only played in 12 games for the Huskies during his senior season. He injured his ankle in the preseason and played through it to begin the year. He lasted until January before also injuring his knee and having to step away from on-court activities all together to prioritize his health.

“As previously reported, during pre-season practice I suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain resulting in two completely torn ligaments in my ankle as well as identifying a third partially torn ligament,” Claude wrote at the time. “After meeting with multiple doctors for a diagnosis and recovery timeline, I was informed that it would be at least a 12 Week timeline to a potential recovery.

“… While my recovery initially seemed to exceed expectations, over the past several weeks, I’ve been playing through unbearable pain, swelling and have a subsequent additional injury to my knee. Therefore today I’ve meet with my coaching staff to inform them that due to ongoing complications from that injury, I must step away from all on-court activities and prioritize my health.”

Due to his situation, he’s looking to acquire a medical waiver to allow him to play an extra season. It’s the first major injury of his college career, as he’s played at least 33 games in each of his first three seasons.

He did make the most of his time on the court, however. Claude averaged 13.3 points per game to go along with 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

That average is down from his numbers produced during his sophomore and junior seasons. During his last year at Xavier, Claude averaged 16.6 points and 4.2 rebounds before dropping slightly while at USC.

Now, he’s looking for some help from the NCAA as he looks for one more run at the college level. For now, it remains undecided.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.