Transfer Guard Deuce Turner Talks JMU
By Houston Wilson
UC Santa Barbara guard Deuce Turner has drawn interest from JMU since entering the transfer portal. The 6’2” guard has had a well-traveled college career, spending one season at Bucknell, two at San Diego, and the past year at UCSB, where he averaged 9.6 points per game. With one year of eligibility remaining, Turner spoke with Locker Room Access about his decision to enter the portal again and his early conversations with JMU.
Turner said the transfer process has been going well so far.
“The process has been going well. With tournaments still going on, there are still a lot of moving pieces, but I’ve been in the portal before, so I know how it goes. I really can’t complain about how things are shaping up.”
He also spoke about his connection with JMU and his knowledge of the program.
"I'm just starting to learn more about JMU. I have a good family friend who went there, and that’s how they first got on my radar. I was recruited pretty heavily by them coming out of high school, so there’s some familiarity, but I’m getting to know their program all over again.”
When discussing JMU’s recruitment approach, Turner explained that their message has been focused on building a relationship with him.
“They’ve been introducing themselves and getting the ball rolling in terms of learning more about me. We haven’t gone too deep into anything yet, but we’ve talked a lot about fit and what I’m looking for in a program.”
Turner also mentioned some of the other schools that have reached out since he entered the portal.
“Schools from all over have started to reach out. Off the top of my head, JMU, CSUN, Temple, TCU, San Diego, and Delaware have all been in contact.”
UC Santa Barbara G Deuce Turner (@deuce_turner) will enter the transfer portal, he tells TPR.
— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) March 19, 2025
Turner averaged 9.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game this season! pic.twitter.com/OWIar2ycby
With the NCAA dead period starting on April 3rd and ending on April 10, Turner expects to start scheduling visits soon.
“I haven’t scheduled any visits yet, but I know CSUN has mentioned getting me on campus. UMASS is also trying to set something up. With the dead period coming up, I probably won’t have a clear idea until that’s over.”
As for what he’s looking for in his next school, Turner said his focus is on finding the right fit to maximize his final year of college basketball.
“At first, I wanted to go somewhere closer to home, but more than anything, I just want to be in a place where I can replicate what I did in the WCC two years ago. That’s my main focus.”
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