Robert Sacre holds the belief that the transfer portal presents an issue within NCAA men’s basketball.
The landscape of college athletics has been significantly reshaped by the introduction of the new one-time transfer rule in NCAA Division-I men’s basketball, alongside the focus on name, image, and likeness. This shift not only affects how coaches recruit players but also when they do so. In men’s basketball, the transfer portal opens before the NCAA Tournament’s early rounds in March, prompting programs eyeing postseason success to consider future roster needs while navigating potential player departures.
For instance, Gonzaga assistant coach Stephen Gentry revealed on Talking Zags that the team engaged in a video call with Graham Ike just before their Sweet 16 game against UCLA last season. The transfer portal has become instrumental for Gonzaga, with coach Mark Few securing talent like Ryan Nembhard, Steele Venters, and Ike in the past offseason. Despite Gonzaga’s elite status, the coaching staff must continually monitor the portal amid postseason preparations.
Former Gonzaga player Robert Sacre discussed on Talking Zags with Adam Morrison and Dan Dickau why the timing of the transfer portal poses a challenge that the NCAA must address, among other topics. You can view the full episode in the video provided above.
