College Basketball Recruits Face Increased Competition Amid Transfer Portal Rush

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Elliot Cadeau made the unconventional decision to graduate early from high school in order to join the No. 19 North Carolina college basketball team. As a five-star point guard, Cadeau is the newest addition to a prestigious program that has consistently recruited top-tier talent. However, he now finds himself on a team filled with incoming transfers, as the landscape of college basketball has shifted due to the surge of players utilizing the transfer portal.

Teams are now focusing more on acquiring skilled and experienced players from other programs to fill their roster gaps. While this approach has yielded success for some, it has also created a more competitive environment for incoming freshmen, who must now compete for roster spots against older, more developed players. This is especially true with the extra year of eligibility granted to athletes by the NCAA during the pandemic.

“I definitely think so, especially now that there’s more people in the transfer portal than ever,” Cadeau said. “And coaches would rather get experienced guys than freshmen.”

According to data from the NCAA, the number of incoming freshmen in Division I men’s basketball dropped by 18.2% from the 2019-20 season to the 2021-22 season. This decline was even more significant in the Power Five conferences, where the number of incoming freshmen decreased by 24.5%. This raises the question of whether this is simply a temporary anomaly or a long-term trend, particularly with the impending end of the extra year of eligibility in 2024-25.

Several coaches have expressed concerns about the unintended consequences of this shift, such as high school players missing out on opportunities due to transfers filling up roster spots. Despite these concerns, many coaches believe that the transfer trend is here to stay, as it provides teams with more options for improving their rosters.

While striking the right balance between incoming freshmen and transfers can be challenging, some teams have managed to do so successfully. The reigning NCAA champion Connecticut Huskies, for example, combined “homegrown” talents with transfers and freshmen to create a winning combination. Similarly, preseason No. 1 Kansas has added experienced players through transfers while still recruiting high school freshmen.

Ultimately, the landscape of college basketball continues to evolve as coaches and teams navigate the transfer portal. Freshmen still have a place in programs, as they bring a unique energy and perspective to the team. However, the competition for roster spots has become fiercer, and coaches are increasingly considering the advantages of experienced players.

As Duke coach Jon Scheyer noted, recruiting the right freshmen is crucial. Understanding the individual needs and fit within a program will determine a team’s success. While transfers provide more immediate impact, freshmen can still make significant contributions if they are the right fit for the team.

Despite concerns about the impact on high school players, it is clear that the transfer trend is here to stay in college basketball. Coaches will continue to adapt their strategies and priorities to ensure the success of their programs.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.