Former four-star basketball recruit Elijah Weaver to transfer to UD

Although he’ll likely have to wait a year to play a game inside UD Arena, Elijah Weaver will be an important addition for the Flyers to have continued success. Photo courtesy of Shawn McLaws/Rooted Media

Peter Burtnett
Sports Editor

The UD men’s basketball team bolstered their roster when Elijah Weaver, former four-star recruit and USC transfer, announced he was transferring to Dayton in a post to his Instagram Monday.

Weaver, the 6-foot-6 point guard who has the No. 45 overall prospect coming out of high school in 2018, will be forced to sit out a season because of NCAA rules but will be an important addition for the Flyers starting in 2021-22 (Weaver has two years of eligibility remaining). 

“I chose Dayton because I honestly believe in [head] coach [Anthony] Grant and the plan he and the assistant coaches have in place for me,” Weaver said to 247 Sports Monday. “They have been doing something special over at Dayton and I just want to be a big part of what’s next to come.”

Weaver averaged 6.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in 31 games for the Trojans and will likely play a bigger role for the Flyers when he is available to play. 

The transfer of Weaver is the latest in a wave of transfers to UD, as last year’s 29-2 team was made up of four transfers (at the beginning of the season): Jordy Tshimanga from Nebraska, Ibi Watson from Michigan, Rodney Chatman from Chattanooga and Chase Johnson from Florida (who took a medical leave of absence after playing in 8 games).

Coach Grant has proven he can help transfers thrive in a new system, and if Weaver can reach the potential he showed in high school even after sitting out a year (barring receiving a waiver like Johnson), the Flyers are likely destined for continued success.

“We’re excited to welcome Elijah to the Flyer Family,” Grant said.  “He is a very talented young man whose skill set is well-suited to our style of play.  He adds size & experience in the backcourt along with the ability to make plays for himself and his teammates. His personality, leadership and competitive character will allow him to fit very well into the fabric of our team and the campus community at large.”

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