Transfer Portal

[Dugway]

Well, I guess it is that time of year. Let the unlimited free agency begin . The transfer portal has now opened for all graduate transfers or for those in any program that has undergone a coaching change after the previous season. The portal will not open for all other players until March 25, when it remains open for a 30-day period. Some kids are graduate seniors who have one year of eligibility left, while others have already played for three separate teams, and would be onto their fourth! The reasons for moving vary, but with the thousands of kids who leave every year, one would have to assume it is a never-ending chase for the almighty dollar in most situations.

I'm not a fan of the NIL and associated unlimited free agency that is the 'amateur athletics' of the NCAA these days. Geno Auriemma certainly does not like it either, but regardless of his and my complaining, it is not going away. I am not going to speculate whom on our current team is going to be leaving, and nobody should. Historically, we have had at least one every year who jumps into the portal which to me is sad. That said, UConn has also recruited one player out of it each year, and that individual tends to become a very productive member of the team so in totality maybe we are benefitting.

Do you folks like this unlimited free agency?

 

[Charliebball]

I have to admit that I love it when UConn brings in really good transfers that help fill their needs but in general, I think the turmoil the current transfer creates has to be addressed so that the players and the schools can both benefit while limiting the chaos.........don't ask me how to do that because I have no idea......

 

[temery]

Reminder: Do not even hint at a current UConn player leaving. Every player is a husky until she decides otherwise.

 

[cancontent]

It cuts both ways to me. The sit out rule and NIL has made things more frenetic, but some fairness was needed for the players in my opinion.

In the past, coaches had the flexibility to leave programs for better opportunities leaving their former players in flux. And then there are the situations where players are asked to leave, for whatever reason, so they're not a free agent in my mind. Relaxing some of the transfer rules has given players so more control.

At the same time, the changes of the portal has brought more parity to the NCAAW landscape. This season has more questions as to who can win it all versus previous years where it felt like a forgone conclusion before the tournament started.

Can things be improved? For sure. How? No clue as it will take forever for the NCAA to buy in unless they're taken to court it seems.

Personally, I think more needs to be done from a grassroots level to ensure athletes are truly going to a school that's the right fit. Parents need better education on this because they're falling for agents and AAU coaches who are focused on their brand(s). There is a serious gap in understanding what the right fit is sadly.

 

[PacoSwede]

it's sad when the university or fans get involved in doling out the cash.

it's good when a player can earn money from 'outside interests' that are getting a legit marketing (or other, not ego-related) benefit. the kid is then getting money because the source gets benefits other than basketball performance/success. they are not subsidizing a player's basketball game, but his/her fame, to get real value in the marketplace.

but as it is now, bucks -- as in gambling interests or billionaires who want to win at any cost -- can rig the competition.

it's what we have come to. ... kind of ruins the sport, yes?

BTW, greed/money also is behind the collegiate conference realignments. bah! humbug!

 

[Bone Dog]

The reasons for moving vary, but with the thousands of kids who leave every year, one would have to assume it is a never-ending chase for the almighty dollar in most situations.

I have no idea if this is true, but it seems unlikely to me. The number of players who have any reasonable hope of a professional career is small. And NIL opportunities are loosely tied to this. Kids leave one school for another because they're unhappy about other things besides money.

If our daughter had been an athlete (she wasn't) and found her situation difficult because of the coaching or her teammates or academic life or even campus life, we'd support her desire to transfer. But if she wanted to chase NIL money and this was not realistic, we'd tell her to make the best of where she is. I doubt we were unusual as parents.

 

[oldude]

The overall number of transfers this year should decline as all the players who were afforded the 5th year Covid option will have moved on. Redshirt years for injured players still exist, as they always have. But almost all of the players who enter the portal this year will be within their 4-year eligibility period.

 

[cancontent]

I have no idea if this is true, but it seems unlikely to me. The number of players who have any reasonable hope of a professional career is small. And NIL opportunities are loosely tied to this. Kids leave one school for another because they're unhappy about other things besides money.

If our daughter had been an athlete (she wasn't) and found her situation difficult because of the coaching or her teammates or academic life or even campus life, we'd support her desire to transfer. But if she wanted to chase NIL money and this was not realistic, we'd tell her to make the best of where she is. I doubt we were unusual as parents.

Most jump to NIL as the primary factor because it's an easy assumption to make with all the news we hear about a small majority of players who enter the portal. NIL may have impact but I have a hard time believing that's the sole reason, especially when you see where players end up.

A significant portion of players will move from a P4 program to a mid/high major program. How much does NIL factor into a situation like that decision? And NIL is something players can leverage on their own without a school's involvement. There are stories of D2 and D3 athletes making good money via NIL through their own initiatives. It doesn't have to come from the school itself.

 

[Plebe]

I have no idea if this is true, but it seems unlikely to me. The number of players who have any reasonable hope of a professional career is small. And NIL opportunities are loosely tied to this. Kids leave one school for another because they're unhappy about other things besides money.

There's more money being thrown at the portal than you might realize. Word is that USC offered Iriafen an NIL deal on the order of 800K ... and that's just for one year.

I agree most transfers aren't at that level, but the ones who can truly impact a team's prospects are.

 

[Mike72fl]

I hope that none of the BE players will transfer. There are some really good young players in the conference. Stay and help their schools, and BE, stronger.

 

[huskyd]

Reminder: Do not even hint at a current UConn player leaving. Every player is a husky until she decides otherwise.

Naming names would take temerity.

 

[Bald Husky]

There's more money being thrown at the portal than you might realize. Word is that USC offered Iriafen an NIL deal on the order of 800K ... and that's just for one year.

I agree most transfers aren't at that level, but the ones who can truly impact a team's prospects are.

I just read on volnation that Chevez is demanding a package worth 1.5 million bucks. No college athlete is worth that as a freshman. Ridiculously out of control, and she and her people should be ashamed for asking for that.

 

[hoopsfan22]

I hope that none of the BE players will transfer. There are some really good young players in the conference. Stay and help their schools, and BE, stronger.

Why? If say Kim Mulkey offers me a cool mill to come play basketball, I'm gone. It's not my job to help schools/conferences/whatever. My job is to play basketball and secure the biggest bag I can.

 

[hookshot]

It cuts both ways to me. The sit out rule and NIL has made things more frenetic, but some fairness was needed for the players in my opinion.

In the past, coaches had the flexibility to leave programs for better opportunities leaving their former players in flux. And then there are the situations where players are asked to leave, for whatever reason, so they're not a free agent in my mind. Relaxing some of the transfer rules has given players so more control.

At the same time, the changes of the portal has brought more parity to the NCAAW landscape. This season has more questions as to who can win it all versus previous years where it felt like a forgone conclusion before the tournament started.

Can things be improved? For sure. How? No clue as it will take forever for the NCAA to buy in unless they're taken to court it seems.

Personally, I think more needs to be done from a grassroots level to ensure athletes are truly going to a school that's the right fit. Parents need better education on this because they're falling for agents and AAU coaches who are focused on their brand(s). There is a serious gap in understanding what the right fit is sadly.

Who other than the athlete, their parents, the high school guidance councilor, the high school coach / AD, "google", and campus visits are suitable to this task - these resources are all in place at the grass roots level

 

[cancontent]

Who other than the athlete, their parents, the high school guidance councilor, the high school coach / AD, "google", and campus visits are suitable to this task - these resources are all in place at the grass roots level

And you'd think they would utilize them however that's not the case from my experience. Between parents of kids I've coached to friends with children now in the NCAA for various sports, I could be a millionaire with the times I've heard "I wish I had done more research." or "We relied on the AAU coach for all of this".

Not to mention, kids who are encouraged to go for the P4 offer over other schools. AAU programs love to boast about the D1s they get their players. It helps to draw in more kids to the program which inflates their coffers. From some posts about Chavez, some speculate her father is doing that same thing. I'd love to believe all AAU coaches are on the up and up, but to some of them it's business and growing their brand is priority it seems.

 

[Bone Dog]

There's more money being thrown at the portal than you might realize. Word is that USC offered Iriafen an NIL deal on the order of 800K ... and that's just for one year.

I agree most transfers aren't at that level, but the ones who can truly impact a team's prospects are.

As compelling as your argument is and the example of Iriafen, I'm glad to see you agree with the only point I was making in response to what's in the OP, namely the suggestion that most transfers are out for the NIL money.

 

[pvdoggy]

There's more money being thrown at the portal than you might realize. Word is that USC offered Iriafen an NIL deal on the order of 800K ... and that's just for one year.

I agree most transfers aren't at that level, but the ones who can truly impact a team's prospects are.

The absurdity is that there are NFL players making less than that.

 

[oldude]

The absurdity is that there are NFL players making less than that.

Close. The NFL rookie minimum is $840,000. For veterans it’s $960,000.

 

[HuskyNan]

The absurdity is that there are NFL players making less than that.

Why is it absurd? NFL player play about 15-20 games a year

 

[pvdoggy]

Close. The NFL rookie minimum is $840,000. For veterans it’s $960,000.

From what I understand, that is only if they are on the active roster the whole year. If they are up and down the practice squad, they won't make that minimum salary.

Also the $840K number is for 2025, in 2024 it was less than $800K.

 

[pvdoggy]

Why is it absurd? NFL player play about 15-20 games a year

You are entitled to your opinion, but saying that an NFL player only plays 15-20 games a year is a pretty weak argument. Just look at how much money the NFL makes and their salary cap compared to how much money college women basketball teams make/lose every year.

 

[Zonepress]

Well, I guess it is that time of year. Let the unlimited free agency begin . The transfer portal has now opened for all graduate transfers or for those in any program that has undergone a coaching change after the previous season. The portal will not open for all other players until March 25, when it remains open for a 30-day period. Some kids are graduate seniors who have one year of eligibility left, while others have already played for three separate teams, and would be onto their fourth! The reasons for moving vary, but with the thousands of kids who leave every year, one would have to assume it is a never-ending chase for the almighty dollar in most situations.

I'm not a fan of the NIL and associated unlimited free agency that is the 'amateur athletics' of the NCAA these days. Geno Auriemma certainly does not like it either, but regardless of his and my complaining, it is not going away. I am not going to speculate whom on our current team is going to be leaving, and nobody should. Historically, we have had at least one every year who jumps into the portal which to me is sad. That said, UConn has also recruited one player out of it each year, and that individual tends to become a very productive member of the team so in totality maybe we are benefitting.

Do you folks like this unlimited free agency?

Love it for the players
They are adults and should have the freedom
To make decisions about their lives!

From a competitive standpoint I dislike it, as it will be very difficult for the Big East to be competitive
With NIL and that certainly is not a good thing for
UConn

Unfortunately, as WCBB continues to grow in popularity downside is that it will become more and more like men’s college basketball
And I think my interest level will start to wane

 

[Zonepress]

You are entitled to your opinion, but saying that an NFL player only plays 15-20 games a year is a pretty weak argument. Just look at how much money the NFL makes and their salary cap compared to how much money college women basketball teams make/lose every year.

The minimum salary levels are negotiated by the NFL players union
It seems pretty silly for you to have an opinion about what others have negotiated for themselves

 

[CTBballfan243]

I just read on volnation that Chevez is demanding a package worth 1.5 million bucks. No college athlete is worth that as a freshman. Ridiculously out of control, and she and her people should be ashamed for asking for that.

Everybody is worth what someone is willing to pay you. Take it while you can get it.

 

[Dogdude]

I can see it's time for my YFSA concept. It's Youth Feral Sports Association. Essentially, kids get together, play something with whatever they have. It could be capture the flag. It could be Calvinball. It doesn't matter. Every game ends with ice cream. There is no championship, but most importantly, no adults are allowed. No coaching, no spectating, no involvement whatsoever. Games are arranged by an app which adults are also banned from, and only can be used to arrange the games. No money, no parents, no equipment needed, just play.

 

[PacoSwede]

yeah, greed is admirable and all americans think everyone should have it as their overriding priority.

great, just great. i can't stomach that.

how about nobody has to worry about having enough moola to meet their basic needs. there sure is enough wealth in the U.S. to make that possible. greed gets in the way.

 

[packwrap]

As compelling as your argument is and the example of Iriafen, I'm glad to see you agree with the only point I was making in response to what's in the OP, namely the suggestion that most transfers are out for the NIL money.

It's important to understand that there are two kinds of NIL money available.

1- A legitimate marketing contract given to players by a third party company to help that company sell product. These are the type of deals Paige and Azzi Sign with say Nike and Under Armour/Curry. There is big money here for the top national stars, but not much for role players on the NET rank #68 team.

2- The infamous 'bag of cash' given to an athlete from the alumni booster collective simply to come play at the new school. This is the reported $800,000 for Iriafen, or $1,500,000 requested by Chavez. This cash is tied to a dummy NIL contract (10 autograph sessions for $800,000), that gets paid, but the services never actually happen. That's what makes the former covert 'bag of cash', now legitimate as a fake NIL agreement. It's even tax deductible.

In football and men's basketball the bag of cash NIL is pretty common now. For example it was the $20 million that Ohio State used to buy their '24 players. Or the funding that Coach Pitino used to transform the St John's '25 roster.

The biggest example out there is Duke recently signed sophomore transfer QB Darian Mensah from Tulane to a 2 year deal of $8million, or $4 million per year!

Among top 30 football and mens basketball schools, most transfers now involve these payments. Even schools like Indiana and Vanderbilt are paying to remain competitive, and a school like SMU was able to get good real quick.

How much of this has trickled over to women's basketball is a mystery? LSU, USC, TCU and UCLA surely funded their recent transfers, but who knows how much.

The question is if a $25-$100,000 payment on top of scholarship is enough to induce a female hoopster to switch schools.

Coach Neighbors at Arkansas apparently lost his players last year to paid transfers. Upon resigning at Arkansas, he said he is looking to coach again at a school that will 'support' women's basketball.

Will be interesting to see where Chavez signs, and to watch the '25 transfer market.

 

[DEpup]

So to keep this thread far away from UConn players, what do folks think we could be looking for in the portal this year? Chen has been a great bridge between Nika and KK knowing Cheli can facilitate and Kelis is coming.

Geno likes transfers who have almost completed their degree.

I still think a post player in the Dorka mold would be nice for a year while Jana develops and Patterson/Gandy get up to speed.

What do others think we could be shopping for?

 

[Stagnant]

I see a lot of people on twitter asking Williams if she has heard of Connecticut.

She is a great player and will make any team better. Personally, I think UConn should be looking at guards if they are in the portal market.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Some advanced the argument that NIL and the portal would advance parity over time. That may come to pass in time, but in the short term a good number of the players in teams on the rise have been headed to the usual suspects. I suspect that will always be the case.