Northwestern senior forward Robbie Beran is entering the transfer portal, he announced on Twitter Thursday.

“I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to put on this jersey and represent this university,” Beran said in a tweet. “I’d like to personally thank everyone who played an integral part in my time at Northwestern, especially Coach Collins, his staff, and Wildcat nation. While my time here is coming to an end, Northwestern will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Beran, a native of Richmond, Virginia, spent four seasons in the purple and white under coach Chris Collins. The 6-foot-9 forward featured in 120 games for the Wildcats, starting in 99, with career averages of 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.7 assists per contest. 

In his last season, Beran had a career year, starting in all 34 games for NU and posting career-highs in minutes played (25.7), points (7.5) and rebounds (4.5). 

In the Cats’ first game of the 2022-23 campaign, Beran poured in a career-high 20 points against Chicago State. On the road against the then-No. 15 Indiana in January, his all-around 13-point, five-rebound, three-block effort helped NU secure an 84-83 upset victory. A month later, Beran had another solid outing against then-No. 14 Hoosiers, adding 12 points and four rebounds as the Cats completed a sweep of Indiana for the first time since the 2010-11 season. 

Though his offensive production varied from game to game, Beran’s defensive versatility was invaluable. His ability to switch onto guards on the perimeter, while also challenging opposing bigs in the low post, was crucial for NU’s defensive scheme. Under the tutelage of assistant coach Chris Lowery, Beran helped the Cats’ defense transform from a top-75 unit the previous season into one of the nation’s best. The team finished 22nd in KenPom’s defensive efficiency metrics. 

Now, with NCAA Tournament experience under his belt, Beran will use his final year of collegiate eligibility elsewhere. The forward’s exit marks NU’s third offseason departure unrelated to graduation thus far, following sophomore guard Julian Roper II’s portal entry and senior guard Boo Buie declaring for the NBA Draft — though Buie is retaining his eligibility. 

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— Men’s Basketball: Sophomore guard Julian Roper II to enter transfer portal

— Men’s Basketball: Price: What next season entails for Buie, Audige, Beran and the program