The combination of transfer portal (immediate eleigbility), the extra COVID year, and NIL money has created an interesting situation for borderline pro players. The option of euro ball to make some money is certainly delayed a year or two with extra eligibility and the chance of cashing in on NIL money. I think of players like Jackson, Girard at Syracuse and many others who have become familiar to fans by staying for several years. That familiarity leads to NIL options and keeps them around. The question is whether the coaches want to keep these players around.
This leads to the portal and how it works both ways. Yes, it is easier for a disgruntled player to move on and play elsewhere. However, it is also much easier for a coach to tell players their scholorship is no longer available as the coach is not forcing a player to sit out a year as a transfer. Hurley gets a strong 5 player recruiting class and knows that if all eligible players stay UConn will be well over the scholarship limit. Hurley essentially has to cut players who can then move into the portal. Makes for an interesting off-season