Is The Transfer Portal Helping or Hurting NCAA Basketball?

Story by Mitchell Smith

Hello everybody. The college basketball finals are upon us and we will have champions crowned first the men and women’s 2024 basketball teams. It has been a hard fought season to the end and only 2 teams remain to duke it out for the royal crown. Next year is looking much different in college basketball. Men and women across the country are taking advantage of jumping ship with the ease of the transfer portal. What is making these players leave their school. Is it wanting more play time, better climate, or is it all about the money?

So the big question is, does the transfer portal help or hurt college basketball? It feels a bit more professional now and most of these kids have been playing basketball since before they could walk. So if you come in to college with a solid 10-15 years of experience you might as well get some cash while you can. The top athletes do get scholarships to go to school an opportunity not everyone has. They also get to take advantage of travel and food expenses while they are on the road. Some are lucky to get endorsement deals and/or a commercial deal.

I’m not sure why so many kids are bouncing around though. For example Syracuse is loosing a few starters this year and we are gaining a few from the looks of it. Maybe it helps kids and teams alike find people they gel with. Coaches can look for the right players and not necessarily the best players. It will be interesting to see how the portal and money affect Universities differently going forward. What do y’all think about the old transfer portal, specifically for Men and Women’s basketball? Share your opinions in the comments below.