UMBC to Seek Waiver for Cody Joyce

In his third season, UMBC head coach Aki Thomas will welcome two transfers into the program and both could have an impact right away.

Richmond guard Wayne Sparrow will join the team as a graduate transfer for his final season of eligibility, but there is a chance that another transfer will play right away as well.

Houston Baptist transfer Cody Joyce, who averaged 9.9 points per game last season, will join the team with two seasons of eligibility remaining. The Retreivers will look to get a waiver so that the junior who hails from Churchtown, Maryland, graduated from Southern High School and spent a year at Massanutten Military Academy could be closer to home.

Thomas confirmed that the school will seek a waiver for Joyce, who hails from inside the D.C., Maryland, Virginia area, though they have yet to put all the paperwork together to officially file with the NCAA.

The third year head coach and his staff have emphasized recruiting in the DMV area. John Carroll product Rodney Elliot won America East Rookie of the Year last season, averaging 15 points per game.

Five scholarship players hail from the DMV area, all who have been added during Thomas’ tenure.

Joyce led his team by grabbing 48 offensive rebounds last season and averaged 3.8 rebounds per game. His 6’8″ frame would provide an immediate help to a team that needs front court contributors.

Ryan Restivo covers the America East conference, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and Hofstra for Big Apple Buckets. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanarestivo or contact Ryan at rrestivo[at]nycbuckets.com.