The transfer portal carousel continues to spin as Tyler Betsey, Cincinnati’s 6’8″ freshman wing and former top-50 recruit, announced his entry on April 8. The Connecticut native, who averaged 3.3 points and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 32% from three-point range, becomes the fourth Bearcat in two days to explore options elsewhere.
Despite limited playing time, just five minutes across two games in the College Basketball Crown in Las Vegas, Betsey’s combination of size, shooting touch, and untapped potential makes him an intriguing transfer target.
While he confirmed on social media that Cincinnati remains in consideration following discussions with coach Wes Miller, several programs should be lining up for the 2023 Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year.
Top 5 Landing Spots
I will be entering the portal and weighing my options coach wes and I have talked and Cincinnati will still be in consideration
— Tyler Betsey (@TylerBetsey1) April 8, 2025
1. UConn Huskies
Coach Dan Hurley’s back-to-back national championship program offers Betsey a homecoming opportunity with championship pedigree. As a Connecticut native who previously included UConn in his top five schools during recruitment, Betsey would find familiar territory with the Huskies’ system, which regularly develops NBA-caliber wings.
UConn’s roster construction perfectly accommodates Betsey’s skill set as a floor-spacing forward who can defend multiple positions. Hurley’s detail-oriented coaching approach could transform Betsey’s slightly inefficient shooting into a consistent weapon while maintaining the Huskies’ recruiting pipeline in their home state.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
Nate Oats’ up-tempo, three-point-heavy system seems tailor-made for a wing-like Betsey, who connected on 26 threes as a freshman despite limited minutes. Having previously listed Alabama among his top choices in 2023, Betsey clearly sees alignment with the Crimson Tide’s playing style that has propelled similar wings toward professional careers.
With potential roster turnover following the 2024-25 season, Betsey could find immediate opportunity in Tuscaloosa. Oats’ analytics-driven approach would encourage more efficient shot selection while leveraging Betsey’s transition abilities.
3. LSU Tigers
Matt McMahon’s rebuilding Tigers present Betsey with a potential featured role in a program hungry for talent. LSU’s aggressive transfer portal approach and SEC platform offer the visibility Betsey needs to showcase his development, having previously expressed interest in the program during his initial recruitment.
Betsey’s 6’8″ frame would provide immediate help against the conference’s physical lineups, while his shooting touch could space the floor for LSU’s guards. McMahon could design a role specifically to maximize Betsey’s three-point shooting and versatility, potentially as a stretch four in smaller lineups.
4. Creighton Bluejays
Greg McDermott’s motion offense has historically maximized forwards with Betsey’s shooting profile, making the Bluejays an intriguing fit for the former top 50 recruit who included Creighton among his preferred destinations in 2023. The program’s consistent NCAA Tournament presence provides the winning environment Betsey likely seeks.
With potential departures of key contributors, Creighton’s perimeter-oriented attack would benefit from Betsey’s size and shooting range. McDermott’s patient development approach could rebuild Betsey’s confidence after a limited freshman campaign polishing his off-ball movement and shot consistency.
5. Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers need wing talent after losing Malik Reneau to the portal, creating a potential scoring void that Betsey could help fill. The combination of Big Ten prestige offers Betsey development pathways that align with his original top five interests in Indiana.
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Betsey’s shooting would complement recent transfer addition Myles Rice in a roster craving scoring punch and positional versatility.
As the portal continues buzzing with over 1,000 players seeking new homes, Betsey’s combination of size, shooting potential, and top-50 pedigree makes him a valuable commodity in college basketball’s increasingly competitive transfer marketplace.
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