Washington State's backcourt just got a major boost. The Cougars have secured a commitment from Wake Forest transfer Sebastian Akins, who announced his decision on social media Thursday. This move signals that WSU may have found its floor general for the upcoming season, adding a proven scorer and a crucial piece from the ever-important transfer portal.

Standing at 6-foot-2, Akins brings a versatile scoring profile to Pullman. He began his collegiate career at Denver, where he was named the Summit League Freshman of the Year after averaging 12.7 points per game. Last season at Wake Forest, he served as a key rotational player, appearing in all 35 games and making eight starts. While his minutes were limited, Akins proved to be an efficient interior scorer, shooting 51% on two-point attempts and stepping up with notable performances against top competition, including a 16-point outing against NCAA Tournament team Clemson.

His game is built on sharp ball-handling and crafty finishing at the rim. However, perimeter shooting remains an area for development, as he connected on just 18% of his three-point attempts last season. This acquisition is a strategic move by first-year coach David Riley to rebuild a roster hit hard by departures.

Akins becomes the fifth transfer portal pledge for Riley this offseason, joining a class that includes TCU guard RJ Jones and East Texas A&M wing Ronnie Harrison. His arrival is particularly timely as the Cougars look to replace ten players who entered the portal, including key backcourt contributors. For a program navigating a conference transition, adding an experienced guard with a track record of stepping up in big moments is a significant win. Cougar fans now have a new playmaker to watch as the team's new identity takes shape.