CL82
NCAA Men’s Basketball National Champions - Again!
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
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I agree that the transfer portal is an opportunity for schools further down on the food chain to upgrade their talent, But I think that @uconndogs is correct when he says that the portal system will tend to concentrate talent at the top schools. Yes, lesser schools will have access to highly ranked players who did not pan out at the bigger schools, but lesser ranked kids who succeed at lower schools will also have the opportunity to move upward. I strongly doubt we will ever see a top kid who is successful at a top school, getting all the playing time he wants, etc., moving to a lesser school.There are tons of examples of transfers who left top programs and went on to star at other programs. This past year, Cincy’s top RB, Jerome Ford, was a transfer from Alabama and drafted in the 5th round. And, what about Justin Fields (Georgia to Ohio St.) 1st round pick, Jalen Hurts (Alabama to Oklahoma) 2nd round pick, Wandale Robinson (Nebraska to Kentucky) 2nd round pick, Malik Willis (Auburn to Liberty) 3rd round, Joe Flacco ( Pitt to Delaware) 1st round, Josh McCown (SMU to Sam Houston St.) 3rd round.
As for teams, #4 Cincy had 7 P5 transfers on the roster this year, #16 Louisiana had 9 P5 transfers, #17 Houston had 14 P5 transfers, #24 Utah St. had 10 P5 transfers, #25 San Diego St. had 5 P5 transfers. SMU had 18 P5 transfers. The transfer portal has become a huge opportunity for schools to upgrade their talent. UConn under Edsall was just slow to adjust to the changing landscape.
It reminds me of a conversation I heard between the top guys at two competing organizations. Steve was humble bragging about a new addition he had taken from Jim’s organization. Jim replied I’d like to think anyone who leaves us to go to you increases the average IQ of both organizations.