Stanford C Maxime Raynaud to exit portal, return to Cardinal

Center Maxime Raynaud is withdrawing his name from the NCAA transfer portal and returning to Stanford for the 2024-25 season, he announced Friday.

Raynaud, from France, led Stanford in scoring last season with 15.5 points per game and in rebounding with 9.6. He shot 56.7 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from 3-point range.

The 7-foot-1 Raynaud was named the Pac-12's Most Improved Player and was named to the all-conference second team.

He has appeared in 94 games (59 starts) over three years with the Cardinal, becoming a starter in his second season.

His return to Stanford is a huge gain for new head coach Kyle Smith, who is moving to California from Washington State, hired after the firing of Jerod Hasse. The Cardinal, 14-18 last season, are losing most of their rotation to graduation or the transfer portal.

But Raynaud said he had a change of heart and wants to spend his senior season at Stanford.

"I've had time to reflect since the season ended, and I've come to the realization that there is no better place for me to continue my basketball journey than here at Stanford," his statement said.

"I am excited to play for Kyle Smith, to earn my degree from Stanford, and to lead this team on the Farm. I'M BACK!"

—Field Level Media