WKU Basketball: Matthew Horton officially back on 2019–20 Roster

WKU Basketball added some much-needed depth down low as Senior center Matthew Horton officially rejoined the WKU Basketball program.

WKU Basketball added some much-needed depth down low as Senior center Matthew Horton officially rejoined the WKU Basketball program.

Horton left the program in April and was destined for Division 2 Pittsburg State in Kansas. With the recent departures of Tolu Smith & Marek Nelson WKU basketball was in desperate need of low post bodies to back up Charles Bassey, especially at the center position.

Horton played in just 10 games for WKU in 2018–19 averaging 1.1 points per game, 1.0 rebounds per game & 0.3 blocks per game as he battled injuries and a talented duo in front of him (Bassey and Smith). His best game arguably came against Tennessee State on December 1st as he played a season-high 9 minutes collecting 4 points, 3 rebounds a block in a 88–74 win over the Tigers.

The 6'11 senior seemed to be pushed out for more talented players at the end of the season. Horton is now officially on WKU’s roster, while Tolu Smith has been taken off the list. To me, this says that Stansbury failed at his attempt to keep Smith in the fold and then rewarded Horton with the last remaining scholarship. He seemed to not harbor any ill feelings as he came back immediately when Rick Stansbury needs him. I personally don’t like how the staff has repeatedly done that to role-players but good for Horton in putting that behind him.

With WKU only having other one player above 6'6 (Charles Bassey), Horton should see more playing time this season backing up Bassey especially with Smith gone. He gets WKU’s roster to 12 officially with Eli Wright destined to fill out the last spot. Here’s where the roster stands after Horton’s addition:

1. Jared Savage — Senior (Forward)

2. Camron Justice- Senior (Guard)

3. Kenny Cooper- Senior (Guard)

4. Matthew Horton- Senior (Center)

5. Taveion Hollingsworth — Junior (Guard)

6. Josh Anderson — Junior (Guard)

7. Carson Williams — Junior (Forward)

8. Eli Wright- Junior (Guard)*

9. Charles Bassey — Sophomore (Center)

10. Jeremiah Gambrell — Redshirt Freshman(Guard)

11. Isiah Cozart — Freshman (Forward)

12. Jackson Harlan — Freshman (Guard)

13. Jordan Rawls- Freshman (Guard)

*Wright hasn’t been announced by WKU yet

Walk On — Patrick Murphy — Junior (Guard)