March Madness isn’t just a basketball tournament; it’s a whirlwind that shapes the athletes of men’s college basketball every year. This year’s tournament has set the stage for a particularly intriguing transfer season, especially with coaching changes, standout performances, and evolving team strategies all playing pivotal roles.
Let’s explore how March Madness is influencing the transfer portal in 2025.
The March Madness Coaching Carousel Sparks Player Movement
The conclusion of the NCAA tournament often triggers a domino effect of coaching changes, leading to roster upheavals. A prime example this year is Darian DeVries’ departure from West Virginia to take the helm at Indiana.
DeVries’ move has left the Mountaineers in a lurch. Especially prompting current players and recruits to reconsider their commitments.
Several notable players have already announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal, signaling a busy offseason ahead.
- Tae Davis: Forward, Notre Dame: After a standout season averaging 15.1 points and 5.3 rebounds, Davis has decided to explore new opportunities. His departure is a significant loss for the Fighting Irish, who will need to fill the void left by his consistent performance.
- Chandler Jackson: Guard, Florida State University: Jackson, a guard for Florida State University, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal for his final year of college eligibility. This decision comes amidst a coaching change at FSU, with new head coach Luke Loucks.
- Joson Sanon: Guard, Arizona State: The freshman guard has declared his intention to transfer, adding to the growing list of players seeking new programs post-March Madness.
Mid-Major Standouts Attracting Major Attention
Players who delivered exceptional performances for smaller schools are now on the radar of powerhouse programs.
- Elyjah Freeman: Forward, Lincoln Memorial: Freeman, a Division II standout, has garnered interest from the Kentucky Wildcats. Averaging 19.3 points and 9.1 rebounds, his potential addition could significantly bolster Kentucky’s frontcourt.
- Jacari White: Guard, North Dakota State: White’s impressive season, averaging 17.1 points per game. He has attracted attention from over 20 programs, including Syracuse, Alabama, and Oregon. His scoring prowess makes him a valuable asset for teams seeking backcourt reinforcement.
Programs Strategizing for Roster Enhancements
Teams are proactively navigating the transfer portal to address roster needs and build upon their March Madness performances:
- St. John’s University: Following their first Big East Tournament championship in 25 years and a second-round NCAA Tournament exit, St. John’s faces pivotal offseason decisions. With key players departing, Coach Rick Pitino aims to leverage the transfer portal to acquire shotmakers and a new point guard. He also ensured the team remains competitive in the upcoming season.
- University of Connecticut (UConn): After a historic title run concluded with a second-round loss to Florida, Coach Dan Hurley is set to undertake “soul searching” and roster evaluations. The offseason focus will be on player decisions and strategic planning to navigate the evolving landscape of college basketball.
Impact on Traditional Powerhouses
The transfer portal’s influence extends to traditional basketball powerhouses, prompting strategic adjustments:
- University of Kentucky: Known for its prowess in recruiting top-tier talent, Kentucky is now also focusing on the transfer portal to strengthen its roster. The Wildcats’ interest in players like Elyjah Freeman underscores the importance of blending experienced transfers with incoming freshmen to maintain competitive dominance.
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As the dust settles from March Madness 2025, the transfer portal emerges as a focal point in shaping the future of men’s college basketball.
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