The transfer portal in college basketball has become a game-changer for players, coaches, and teams alike. The concept of transferring is not new, but the transfer portal has made it easier for players to move from one school to another. 7 out of 16 sweet sixteen teams leading scorers were transfers. Ohio States Taylor Mikesell went to two different schools Maryland and Oregon before finding her home at Ohio State where she is flourishing. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the transfer portal. From an overview of the portal to background information on it, we have you covered. We will also discuss some of the top-ranked players in the portal and share tips on how to make the transfer process successful. Additionally, we will delve into whether transferring hurts or benefits a player's careers. We will also explore what the future holds for college basketball transfers. Lastly, we will outline some pros and cons of transferring in college basketball. So let's dive in!

Transfer Portal Overview

The transfer portal is a system that allows college basketball players to explore their options for transferring to another program. In recent years, the number of players entering the transfer portal has increased significantly. This shift in the college basketball landscape has forced coaches and programs to adapt by actively recruiting players from the portal. While the transfer portal can create opportunities for both players and programs, it also poses challenges such as roster management and team chemistry. College basketball fans can keep track of this dynamic situation via BTN's transfer portal tracker and players social media outlets (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).

Transfer portal background information

In recent years, the NCAA has approved a transfer portal that allows college athletes to explore transfer opportunities. The transfer portal has gained immense popularity due to changes in NCAA rules and regulations. Colleges can also use the transfer portal to recruit potential transfers from other programs for their basketball teams. Tracking the transfer portal is an excellent way to gain insight into trends and movements among women's basketball players on college campuses. Coaches and recruiters rely heavily on the database tracking service, which helps them make informed decisions about recruiting new talent for their team.

Women's basketball players in the transfer portal

Hailey Van Lith Louisville JR Guard

The Washington native Hailey Van Lith, the junior guard of Louisville's women's basketball team, has become one of the most sought-after transfers in college basketball. With an impressive record of playing nearly 37 minutes per game, she averaged 19.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Van Lith has started 100 games at Louisville, showcasing her scoring ability and tenacity on the court while staying healthy throughout her career.

The honorable mention All-American guard was a star for the Cardinals in the last two NCAA Tournament runs. This season she helped lead the Louisville Cardinals to the Elite Eight.

Her decision to enter the transfer portal has sparked interest from many top college basketball programs. As a grad student, Van Lith will have more flexibility in terms of eligibility and could potentially make an immediate impact on a new team.

Her decision on where to play next will likely have an impact on the college basketball landscape, as she will demand a serious NIL package. Considered to be one of the most talented guards in the game.

Lauren Betts Stanford FR Center

Lauren Betts, a highly sought-after center from Colorado, has announced her intention to transfer from Stanford. The 6'7" center was a top-10 recruit in the class of 2022. Her offers coming out of high school included Notre Dame, UCONN, Oregon, UCLA and, South Carolina.

Betts brings size and versatility, with her ability to dominate the paint and also step out and hit shots from beyond the arc. Her presence on the court will make any college program a formidable opponent in the upcoming season.

Aneesah Morrow DePaul SO Forward

Aneesah Morrow, a 6'1" forward from Chicago, is one of the top rebounders in college women's basketball. Last season she averaged an impressive 13.8 rebounds per game, and this season she's still averaging 12.2 rebounds per game. She earned recognition as a second-team All-American this season after leading her team, the DePaul Blue Demons, with an average of 25.7 points per game. Her talent has not gone unnoticed by other teams, as she recently joined the transfer portal and will likely have many options for her future basketball career.

Endyia Rogers Oregon SR Guard

Endyia Rogers is a senior guard for the Oregon Ducks. She's known for her impressive ball handling skills and ability to score from anywhere on the court. This season, she's averaging 15.9 points per game and shooting 45.3% from the field. Rogers has recently entered the transfer portal, adding yet another talented player to the mix of available options for other teams to consider. With one year of eligibility her next move will be closely watched by fans and coaches alike.

Te-Hina Paopao Oregon JR Guard

Te-Hina Paopao is a talented, junior guard for the Oregon women's basketball team who has made her mark on the game. As a key player for the Ducks, she averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 assists per game last season. She is recognized as one of the best players in the country and has garnered numerous honors and accolades. In 2021, she was named to the All-Freshman Team by the Pac-12 Conference. Her skills and leadership have been instrumental in Oregon's success on the court.

It will be interesting to see where Paopao ultimately decides to transfer and how her skills will impact her new team's success.

Lauren Ware Arizona JR Forward

Lauren Ware, a junior forward at the University of Arizona, is one of the standout players in the transfer portal this year. She has excellent versatility as she can play both inside and outside. Ware has also made headlines due to her impressive performance on the court, which has caught the attention of many teams. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see which team she will end up with next season. It remains to be seen where Ware will go, but there's no doubt that she'll be a valuable asset to whichever team is lucky enough to get her.

Lexi Donarski Iowa State JR Guard

Lexi Donarski, the junior guard from Iowa State, is one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. She has been a standout player since high school and lived up to that potential at Iowa State. In her sophomore year, she averaged 12.1 points per game, earning the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. Donarski is known for her excellent three-point shooting skills with over 31% of successful attempts from beyond the arc last season. With two years of eligibility remaining, she could be a valuable addition for any team looking to add scoring and shooting to their backcourt. Her experience playing in the competitive Big 12 conference makes her an attractive transfer target for teams in other major conferences. There's no doubt that Donarski is one of the top guards available in the transfer portal.

Jada Walker Kentucky SO Guard

Kentucky will be transferring to Baylor University next season. The sophomore guard averaged 12.9 points and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 33 percent on 3-pointers this season. Walker is a solid two-way player, who has 53 career starts.

Darrione Rogers DePaul JR Guard

Darrione Rogers, a junior guard from DePaul, is a coveted player in the transfer portal. With her impressive stats and performance on the court, she has become a highly sought-after transfer. Rogers' ball-handling skills and ability to create scoring opportunities make her a valuable asset on the court. She also possesses strong leadership skills, which can help bring cohesion to any team. Teams looking for a strong guard who can contribute both offensively and defensively should consider Rogers as a top pick in the transfer portal.

Kennedy Fauntleroy Georgetown FR Guard

Kennedy Fauntleroy is a talented point guard who was highly recruited out of high school, receiving offers from several major college basketball programs. Her quickness, ball-handling skills, and ability to score from outside make her a valuable asset to any team. During her freshman year at Georgetown, she was named Big East Freshman of the Year and was one of just two freshmen in the country to average at least 10.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.4 steals per game. As a result, it's no surprise that Fauntleroy has garnered attention from other teams through the transfer portal as they look to add her talents to their roster.

Kennedy Todd-Williams North Carolina JR Guard

Kennedy Todd-Williams, a junior guard from North Carolina, is another player to watch in the transfer portal. With her strong defensive skills and ability to get to the rim, she can make an immediate impact on any team. Todd-Williams has solid experience with 33 starts at UNC and was named to the All-ACC 2nd Team. Her scoring ability also improved last season as she averaged 13.4 points per game. She will be a great addition to Ole Miss.

Jayda Curry California SO Guard

The transfer of Jayda Curry from Cal to Louisville is a major highlight in the growing trend towards player mobility in college basketball. Curry led the Bears' scoring charts for her first two years at Berkeley, but with the team struggling to achieve success, she has decided to move on. The transfer portal has made it easier for players to search for better opportunities that align with their skills and goals. This increasing mobility of college basketball players is shaking up the court and changing the dynamics of the game. The decision of star players like Curry to transfer can have a significant impact on the fortunes of their new teams and ultimately change the landscape of women's basketball as a whole.

Celeste Taylor Duke SR Guard

Duke's senior guard, Celeste Taylor, has entered the transfer portal, and her dynamic playmaking abilities are sure to attract attention from other teams. Last season, Taylor averaged 11.4 points per game while also recording 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. With her experience and leadership on the court, she could be a valuable addition to any team looking to add depth.

Shayeann Day-Wilson Duke SO Guard

Shayeann Day-Wilson, a promising sophomore guard and the No. 41 recruit in the Class of 2021, has entered the transfer portal after playing for Duke University. During her time with Duke, she started in 29 games and averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Day-Wilson's quickness and agility make her an exciting prospect, and she still has plenty of time to develop and make a significant impact on a college basketball roster. Her addition will undoubtedly add value to any team lucky enough to have her on their squad.

Sedona Prince Oregon SR Forward

Sedona Prince, a skilled women's basketball player, has decided to transfer from the University of Oregon to Texas Christian University (TCU). The move is expected to shake things up in the world of women’s basketball. Prince, who has been described as a "game-changer," will bring her talent and experience to TCU, where she will play a vital role on the team. Her decision to transfer has generated excitement and anticipation among fans and experts alike. Many are eagerly awaiting Prince's debut with TCU and what she can bring to the table as one of the top players in women's college basketball.

Kiki Jefferson James Madison University SR Guard

Kiki Jefferson, a senior guard at James Madison University, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. The portal allows college athletes to explore new schools and opportunities. Jefferson made an impressive record for herself, being named the Sun Belt Women's Basketball Player of the Year in 2023. She averaged 18.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game during her senior season.

Jefferson has drawn interest from multiple Division I programs as she is a highly sought-after player who could have a significant impact on her new team's success.

Lauren Park-Lane Seton Hall University SR Guard

Lauren Park-Lane, a three-time all-Big East first-team selection, is transferring from Seton Hall reported via her twitter. The dynamic scoring guard averaged 20.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Pirates this past season. Will add scoring ability & quickness to any college program.

Camille Hobby North Carolina State University SR Center

NC State University's senior center, Camille Hobby, has entered the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3 center was a key player for the Wolfpack during her time there, helping the team to reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament this year. Hobby is sure to attract attention from other Division I programs due to her size and skills on the court. Fans and experts alike are excited to see where she will end up next season.

Under The Radar

Paris Clark former McDonalds All American was a highly touted recruit in the 2022 class, but she only averaged 13 minutes per game last year as a freshman at Arizona. 2022-23 season she averaged 3.8 points per game, shooting over 36% from the field. With three years of eligibility remaining, she is likely looking for a landing spot where she can find a role more quickly and get back to building off her high school production. She is a bonafide scorer

Benefits of Using the Portal

The college basketball transfer portal has become a game-changer for student-athletes who are looking to explore new opportunities and find the right fit for their talents and goals. By using the portal, student-athletes can gain more playing time or exposure to scouts, leading to potential career opportunities. Moreover, coaches can use the portal to quickly identify and recruit top talent from other programs.

The transfer portal is also beneficial for improving overall competition and parity in college basketball as players move between teams. It provides a way for athletes to take advantage of opportunities that might not have otherwise been available. The transfer portal has undoubtedly opened up new doors for college athletes and has changed the landscape of college basketball in significant ways.

Coaches can utilize the transfer portal to fill gaps in rosters very quickly. University of Miami lost two vital Guards Haley and Hanna Cavinder who decided to forgo eligibility to start 'new chapter'. As a result, the school's basketball team will be looking to find replacements that can fill the void.

Will transferring hurt or benefit a player's career?

Before making the decision to transfer, players should carefully consider their reasons and talk openly with coaches and advisors. If done for the right reasons, transferring may offer a fresh start and lead to improved performance and opportunities at a new school. However, there are no guarantees in this regard - success depends on many factors such as relationships with coaches, team dynamics, and the competitiveness of the new program.

Just look at Ashley Owusu is a prime example of the potential benefits and disadvantages of transferring in women's basketball. Ashley Owusu's transfer from Maryland to Virginia Tech proved to be a setback for her career. She earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2020 and helped lead Maryland to a No. 1 ranking that season. However, transferring can also have its downsides. She had a very limited role on the Hokies this season as they went on to have a Final Four run. As a result, Owusu's individual stats and playing time decreased significantly. Owusu is just one example of a player who has transferred in women's basketball, but her story highlights the potential risks and rewards of this decision. For some players, transferring can jump-start their careers. For others, it may be a setback. Ultimately, it is important for each player to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision to transfer schools. She is now in the transfer portal in search of a new opportunity.

How does the NCAA handle transfers?

The NCAA has specific rules and regulations regarding transfers, including eligibility requirements and transfer restrictions. These rules must be adhered to in order for players to maintain their eligibility status.

Ultimately, the decision to transfer should be based on the individual player's goals and needs. Factors such as playing time, team dynamics, academic programs, and overall fit should all be considered when deciding whether or not to transfer. It is important for players to carefully consider all of these factors before making a decision that could potentially impact their career in the long term.

What does the future hold for college basketball transfers?

The transfer portal has become an increasingly popular tool for college basketball coaches looking to find new players that fit their team's specific needs and style of play. With more players entering the portal than ever before, coaches have access to a wider pool of talent. However, recruiting from the portal also comes with its challenges, including competition from other programs and the need to build relationships quickly.

The future of college basketball transfers is uncertain, with ongoing debates about eligibility rules and potential changes to transfer regulations.

Pros and cons of transferring in college basketball

The transfer portal has become an increasingly popular way for college basketball coaches to find players that fit their team's needs. One of the pros of transferring is that players can find a better fit for their skills and playing style at a new school. Additionally, coaches can use the transfer portal to fill gaps in their roster left by outgoing players or to add depth to their team.

However, transferring can also come with challenges such as adjusting to a new team, coach, and environment. Coaches need to carefully evaluate potential transfer players to ensure they will be a good fit for their team's culture and playing style. It's important for both players and coaches to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision about transferring. Ultimately, using the transfer portal can be an effective way to shake up your team and bring in new talent, but it must be done thoughtfully and strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the college basketball transfer portal and how does it work?

The college basketball transfer portal is a database of players who are interested in transferring to a different school. Once a player enters their name, other schools are able to contact them and express interest. However, this does not guarantee a transfer, as the player must still be accepted by the new school and meet NCAA eligibility requirements.

What impact does the transfer portal have on college basketball recruiting?

The transfer portal has had a significant impact on college basketball recruiting. It has revolutionized the process by providing players with more freedom to move between schools, which in turn provides coaches with more opportunities to recruit.

However, the transfer portal has also led to increased competition among programs and roster turnover, creating uncertainty for both coaches and players. Coaches must adapt their recruiting strategies to account for the transfer portal's impact and stay competitive in the ever-changing landscape of college basketball recruiting.

How has the transfer portal changed the landscape of college basketball?

The transfer portal has drastically changed the landscape of college basketball, giving players more flexibility in choosing their school and playing time. This has created a faster-moving recruiting cycle, with coaches needing to be constantly aware of available talent.

However, some worry that the transfer portal will lead to more player movement and instability within teams. It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of the transfer portal will be on college basketball, but it has certainly shaken up the traditional framework of recruitment and team building.

What are some factors that players consider when deciding to enter the transfer portal?

When deciding to enter the transfer portal, players often consider factors such as playing time, opportunity for development, their relationship with coaches and teammates, academic programs, NIL, facilities offered by potential schools, and the location of the school. All of these factors can play a role in a player's decision to transfer and find an environment that better suits their needs both on and off the field.

How many people are in the transfer portal for women's basketball?

Currently 1,000+ women's basketball players in the transfer portal. This number is fluctuating everyday.

Therefore, the transfer portal has drastically changed recruiting for coaches in women's basketball. They need to be aware of the portal and check it often to see who is available.

Conclusion

The transfer portal has completely changed the landscape of college basketball. With so many players in the portal, it can be difficult to keep track of who's going where and what it means for their new team. Our tracker ranks the top transfers and provides background information on the transfer portal process. We also offer tips for players considering transferring, discuss how schools are using the portal to find players that fit their needs, and examine the future of college basketball transfers. Stay up-to-date with all the latest transfer news by subscribing to our newsletter today.