Former Nebraska star Bryce McGowens is getting another chance in the NBA, having signed a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.
“Free agent G Bryce McGowens has agreed on a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, Kyle McAlarney and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tell ESPN,” Woj tweeted. “McGowens, 21, spent his first two seasons with Charlotte.”
McGowens played in 59 games for the Charlotte Hornets last season, starting in 14 of them. He averaged 5.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in 2023-24. In his rookie season (2022-23), he appeared in 46 games, averaging 5.3 points per game. Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was traded to Charlotte.
The Greenville, South Carolina native was waived by the Hornets this offseason before joining the Trail Blazers. Portland finished last season with a 61-21 record. McGowens has the potential to be a solid young contributor for Portland.
McGowens spent only one season at Nebraska before turning pro. As a freshman in 2021-22, he averaged 16.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, earning Third-Team All-Big Ten honors and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. His 16.8 points per game was the third highest among true freshmen nationwide.
Before joining Nebraska, McGowens was ranked as the No. 26 overall player in the country by On3 Industry rankings.
### Portland Trail Blazers Add Donovan Clingan in 2024 NBA Draft
Alongside signing Bryce McGowens, the Portland Trail Blazers recently drafted former UConn star Donovan Clingan with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Clingan completed his sophomore season at UConn, appearing in 74 games and starting 33 of his 35 outings in his second season. During his collegiate career at Connecticut, Clingan averaged 9.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 64.5% from the field. As a starter in 2023-24, he improved his stats to 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks on 63.9% shooting.
Notably, Clingan played a significant role in UConn’s back-to-back national titles. The Huskies achieved a 68-11 record over his two years, winning four championships, including a regular-season conference title, a Big East Tournament, and the NCAA Tournament in both 2023 and 2024. Clingan was named the Most Outstanding Player from the East Region and made the Final Four All-Tournament Team this year.