USA TODAY Sports

All-WCC Freshman Guard Commits to Saint Mary’s via Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Patton | Last updated May 17, 2025 12:12 AM ET

Randy Bennett and the Saint Mary's Gaels have landed a second WCC starter out of the transfer portal in as many weeks, securing a commitment from San Diego guard Tony Duckett on Thursday evening.

Duckett joins Pacific center Jazz Gardner, who committed to the Gaels last Monday, as the two transfer additions so far for the defending WCC regular season champions.

The 6'5 Duckett just wrapped up a very solid freshman season for Steve Lavin and the Toreros, averaging 10.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 29 games. He started 22 times for San Diego, and his 25.7 minutes per game was second on the team behind leading scorer Kjay Bradley Jr.

He was named to the All-WCC Freshman Team for his efforts, alongside his new teammate Mikey Lewis, San Francisco's Tyrone Riley, Washington State's Tomas Thrastarson, and the Freshman of the Year Austin Rapp from Portland.

Rapp has since transferred to Wisconsin.

San Diego transfer Tony Duckett has committed to Saint Mary’s.

The 6’5” guard started 22/29 games played, averaging 10.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

Duckett was named to All-WCC Freshman Team.
— PortalUpdates (@portal_updates) May 16, 2025

Duckett wasn't a particularly effective scorer however, shooting just 40.2% on two point attempts and 33.8% from deep on 2.6 attempts per game. He was excellent at the free throw line - 87.3% - and when he was on he could take over games, like he did at LMU when he dropped 31 points with five boards and one turnover on 11-20 shooting.

Duckett also played well in the WCC Tournament, scoring 21 points on 7-14 shooting in the win over Pacific and then dropping 17 with four assists against LMU, while shooting 3-5 from three.

The Gaels are needing to replace four of their five starters, with two-time WCC Player of the Year Augustus Marciulionis, two time WCC Defensive Player of the Year Mitchell Saxen, and forward Luke Barrett all graduating while guard Jordan Ross hit the transfer portal and landed in the SEC with Georgia.

The team also lost rotation forward Ashton Hardaway, who transferred back to Memphis to play for his dad Penny after starting his career there in 2023-24.

Duckett should get a chance to show his athleticism can translate into a passable defender, and if he can improve his efficiency he'll get plenty of chances to develop with the Gaels.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: