Freshman Tydus Verhoeven Leaving Duquesne

Pittsburgh Sports Now has confirmed that freshman forward Tydus Verhoeven requested and was granted a release from his basketball scholarship.

The freshman from California played in all 32 games for the Dukes and averaged 3.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Verhoeven’s real strength this year was on the defensive end, as he led the Atlantic 10 in blocked shots per game.

Tydus Verhoeven (25) with the block on Jaire Grayer (5) on George Mason on January 20, 2018 — DAVID HAGUE

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It’s believed that the reason for his departure is the way he was used offensively.

How will this loss impact Keith Dambrot’s team next year?

Probably not that much. Dambrot overrecruited at forward in this year’s class in anticipation of a possible departure.

Duquesne’s front court for 2018 should still be loaded with talent. In coming freshmen Gavin Bizeau (6-foot-11), Amari Kelly (6-foot-9), Austin Rotroff (6-foot-10) and Dylan Swingle (6-foot-11) will all join the roster next season along with forwards Mike Hughes (6-foot-8) and Marcus Weathers (6-foot-5), who sat out in 2017-18 due to NCAA transfer rules.

Hughes is someone that’s talented and tough enough and will be counted on to give Dambrot valuable minutes.

Weathers will likely be the top candidate to replace Verhoeven at the four position. Weathers is an undersized four but has length and will be a welcome addition next year.

With the amount of depth at forward, keep in mind that Duquesne is still over their scholarship limit so another departure or two wouldn’t be a surprise.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported Verhoeven’s departure.