The men’s college basketball season is over, but the offseason is almost here. From players switching teams to coaches reshaping programs, there’s a lot to look forward to when games aren’t going on. Here are five things that you should look forward to in the college basketball offseason.
5 Things That You Should Watch in Men’s College Basketball This Offseason
1) Transfer Portal Movement
The transfer portal is shaking up rosters. Over 1,000 players entered on opening day alone in a record-breaking surge.
Teams like Michigan are landing big names, such as Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB. Alabama added three transfers, including Noah Williamson from Bucknell. Louisville’s Pat Kelsey grabbed guards like Adrian Wooley. With the portal closing on April 22, we can expect more significant moves as teams rebuild.
2) NBA Draft Decisions
Draft choices will play a big part in shaping the future of the top teams this season. Players ranked in ESPN’s Top 50, like BYU’s Egor Demin, are expected to go pro.
Decisions are due by June 15. These calls will either strengthen or gut rosters, so you should keep a close eye on them.
3) Summer Recruiting Wins
Recruiting battles are heating up. Houston’s incoming class features three top-20 prospects, including Chris Cenac Jr. Kansas secured Darryn Peterson, a projected 2026 NBA draft top pick. BYU landed A.J. Dybantsa, the No. 1 recruit, with a massive NIL deal. Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd is stacking talent for their Big 12 debut.
The spring signing period, starting April 16, will lock in more commitments.
4) Coaching Changes & Staff Moves
Iowa’s Fran McCaffery stepped down, and Ben McCollum took over, bringing Drake’s Bennett Stirtz with him. Xavier’s Sean Miller left for Texas, leaving the Musketeers scrambling.
Indiana’s Mike Woodson is under a lot of pressure following a roster exodus. Staff changes, like Duke losing Jai Lucas to Miami, also ripple through recruiting. New coaches are hitting the portal hard to build their vision.
5) Early Preseason Rankings & Overseas Trips
There has been a lot of debate on the internet surrounding the preseason ranking. ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 tabs Houston as the favorite, with Purdue and Alabama close behind. Wisconsin’s Greg Gard is earning a lot of credit after adding transfers like Nick Boyd.
KEEP READING: When Do College Basketball Teams Announce Their Schedules for the Upcoming Season?
Overseas trips are also proving significant in the sport. Teams like Arizona and Tennessee are planning summer tours to build chemistry.
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