Former Sarasota Booker and Ole Miss guard Eniel Polynice, who last month had said there was a "good chance" of him playing his final college season at USF, instead announced Wednesday he is transferring to Big East rival Seton Hall.

Polynice, who graduates this summer and can play immediately for the Pirates, had expressed an interest in finishing his college career close to home, but said he was won over by Seton Hall and new coach Kevin Willard. It's the second time this summer USF has lost out on a senior transfer to a Big East rival, as Memphis guard Roburt Sallie, who was not accepted into graduate school at USF, signed with Louisville.

Polynice would have brought much-needed experience to a very new USF backcourt, where only junior Anthony Crater has significant college experience. The Bulls will have three junior college transfers in wings Hugh Robertson and Jawanza Poland and point guard Shedrick Haynes, along with freshman point guard Lavonte Dority, with rising sophomores Mike Burwell and Shaun Noriega also competing for playing time.

The Bulls remain in strong contention for Arizona State freshman forward Victor Rudd, who has been on a visit to USF's campus since Monday. We'll have an update on Rudd later today. ...