One of the most defining topics in NCAA basketball has been the transfer portal and whether or not it’s relevant to the game. But one thing is clear: It’s here to stay. Last season, about 1,500 players transferred to the DI level alone, or about four per team.
The rules have been all over the place since the NCAA, with many players transferring more than once, most finding a way to get a waiver for various reasons, including being “kicked out” of the previous school and not having a scholarship available, a change of coach, personal reasons, etc.
It has been considered the “Wild West” by pundits, coaches and others, with calls to reign things in. And the NCAA, through various committees and boards, has developed various changes to try to simplify the process for everyone.
There is a “window” for players to officially enter the NCAA Basketball transfer portal for the various sports seasons, with winter (basketball) athletes having 60 days to register following the conclusion of the regular season/tournaments. conference. So for men and women, the deadline would be May 11. Anyone who registers during this period may become immediately eligible if this is their first transfer. Anyone who enters afterward will need to request a waiver, which is not guaranteed by the NCAA. Graduate students are exempt from this rule so veterans can move at any time.
The NCAA has tried to get out of the waiver business and has made it clear that anyone can transfer once without issue, provided of course they are academically eligible. But if they move a second time and are not a graduate transfer candidate, they will need to obtain a waiver, which will have stricter requirements. Coaching change and personal reasons will likely remain options, but as the NCAA showed with the West Virginia move José Pérezthey will deny a player eligibility if this is not done during the offseason.
The NCAA is still working on recommendations and what this offseason looks like will be very interesting. Expect there to be bumps in the road, but these new rules should help what is already a complicated process of trying to get cleaner. Of course, with NIL and everything else coming into play, look for other scenarios.