Written By The world of college basketball is always changing, with players coming and going each year as they transfer to new schools in search of better opportunities. But the 2021-2022 season has seen an unprecedented level of movement, with the introduction of the transfer portal allowing players to easily explore new options and coaches scrambling to fill roster spots left by departing players.
The transfer portal is an online database that allows college athletes to enter their names and indicate that they are interested in transferring to a new school. Other coaches can then contact them and offer scholarships, creating a free agency-like system for college sports.
For college basketball, the transfer portal has become a hotbed of activity, with dozens of high-profile players making moves in search of a better situation. Some have found success, while others have struggled to make an impact at their new schools.
One of the biggest moves of the offseason was the transfer of former Kentucky forward Kellan Grady to UCLA. Grady was a standout player at Davidson, but had struggled to find his footing at Kentucky. At UCLA, he has been a key contributor, averaging 13.7 points per game and helping the Bruins reach the Final Four.
Another high-profile transfer was forward Timmy Allen, who left Utah to join Texas. Allen was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2021, and has continued his strong play with the Longhorns, averaging 16.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
But not all transfers have been successful. Guard Adam Miller transferred from Illinois to LSU, but has struggled to find his shot, shooting just 36.7% from the field and 27.5% from three-point range. Guard TyTy Washington left Kentucky for Memphis, but has been inconsistent, averaging just 10.2 points per game.
The transfer portal has also led to some controversy and criticism. Some coaches have accused other coaches of poaching their players, while others have raised concerns about the impact of so many transfers on team chemistry and continuity.
Despite these concerns, the transfer portal has become a fixture of college basketball, and is likely here to stay. As players continue to seek out the best opportunities for their careers, coaches will need to adapt and build rosters that can succeed in the new transfer-focused landscape.
The transfer portal has also created new opportunities for mid-major programs, allowing them to compete for top talent with the big-name schools. Players who might have previously overlooked smaller programs in favor of larger schools now have the option to transfer to a mid-major program and make an immediate impact.
One example of this is forward Tanner Groves, who transferred from Eastern Washington to Oklahoma. Groves was a star at Eastern Washington, averaging 17.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, but had not received much attention from larger programs. At Oklahoma, he has been a key contributor, averaging 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
The transfer portal has also created new challenges for coaches, who must balance the need to fill roster spots with the desire to maintain team chemistry and continuity. Some coaches have chosen to build their rosters primarily through transfers, while others have opted to focus on recruiting high school players.
As the 2021-2022 season comes to a close, it is clear that the transfer portal has had a significant impact on college basketball. The movement of top players has shaken up the sport, and created new opportunities for both players and coaches. As the transfer portal continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of college basketball.
