The Rebels continue to rebuild their roster through the transfer portal, Friday Chris Beard added Roman Siulepa, a forward who has made a name for himself during his freshman year at Pittsburgh. Standing at 6 foot 6 and weighing 210 pounds, this native of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, showcased his potential on the court last season with the Panthers by averaging a commendable 10 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Remarkably, Siulepa’s tenacity and skill earned him a starting position in all 33 games, where he consistently logged around 26.6 minutes on the floor each outing.
His contributions were not merely statistical; they were impactful, as he managed to reach double figures in scoring on 17 occasions throughout the season, culminating in a career-high performance of 28 points during an exhilarating victory against Penn State last December.
Beyond his scoring prowess, Siulepa’s competitive edge is further amplified by his unique background in rugby, which adds a physicality to his playing style that will undoubtedly benefit the Rebels as they seek to enhance their game and aligns strongly with the athlete Chris Beard likes to work with. Demonstrating his aggressive approach to rebounding, he recorded an impressive 97 offensive boards over the season, averaging 2.9 per game—an achievement that positioned him as one of the top five offensive rebounders in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Siulepa demonstrated his skill on the court with notable statistics, shooting an impressive 46.1 percent from the floor, showcasing his ability to convert opportunities into points effectively. While his accuracy from the 3-point line was less stellar at 29.6 percent—hitting 29 of his 98 attempts—it reflects the challenges many players face when adjusting to long-range shooting in high-pressure situations.
Additionally, his performance at the free throw line revealed room for improvement, as he managed to sink only half of his attempts, finishing with a mark of 50 percent by making 53 out of 106 shots. These figures highlight not only his strengths but also the areas where focused training could elevate his game further.
Meanwhile, the Rebels are actively pursuing new talent to bolster their roster and continue their competitive edge. They are set to welcome Mizzou transfer guard TO Barret for a visit alongside him, Butler guard Azacieer Robinson. A move that could potentially inject fresh energy and skill into the team.