Arkansas head coach John Calipari voiced frustration over the NCAA transfer portal and NIL’s effects on college basketball recruiting, particularly for high school athletes. Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show,” he acknowledged seeing this issue coming but had hoped it wouldn’t unfold as it has.
He believes the current system prioritizes transfers over incoming high school players, limiting opportunities for young athletes who previously relied on traditional recruiting pathways.
John Calipari Warns of Declining High School Scholarships Due to Transfer Portal
Arkansas head coach John Calipari has voiced strong concerns about how the NIL and transfer portal are reshaping college basketball recruiting, particularly for high school athletes. He believes these changes have trickled down to high school hallways, disrupting traditional recruiting methods where powerhouse programs stockpiled top talent.
“There are freshman kids in the United States that deserve scholarships that aren’t getting them..
They’re good enough but we’re all waiting for transfers..
That is what disappoints me the most”@CoachCalArk #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/yUwjf89vuw
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 25, 2025
“That’s changing,” Calipari said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Now you’re not getting six guys at one school. I used to recruit six, seven, and eight freshmen. Can’t do it now. The most you can get now [is] three to four. It’s created a completely new set of problems that were either not planned for, or nobody cared about.”
Calipari pointed out that many high school players who deserve scholarships are being overlooked.
“There are kids in the United States that are freshmen that deserve scholarships to college,” he said. “There are 700-800 that deserve scholarships, and they’re good enough. But we’re all waiting for transfers. That’s what disappoints me the most. Part of the reason I won’t change is that but I can’t do as many.”
This shift has forced coaches to rethink roster management. Scholarships once reserved for incoming freshmen are now being held for transfers or returning players.
“They’re not getting a scholarship because there are none left,” Calipari explained. “How many of my guys are coming back? How many transfers can I get? I may only have one or two scholarships for a freshman.”
Calipari also warned players about the risks of entering the portal without a clear plan.
“A lot of guys put their name in the portal and I say, ‘You gotta go now,’” he said. “If you’re gonna do it, I’ll see ya….You put your name in the portal? ‘But I just wanna see and maybe I’ll come back’ … no, no. It’s not how that works.”
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As Arkansas prepares to face Texas Tech in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night, Calipari remains focused.
“At our practices, I just want ’em spirited,” he said.
The game will be aired on TBS, with radio coverage on the Razorback Sports Network.
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