Transfer portal makes a big difference.
Kentucky has not made the final four since 2015 when they only had one loss
Are they still focusing on one and done?
60 sats \ 0 replies \ @pj 25 Mar
All the big schools had an advantage when players weren't "allowed" to be paid and when players couldn't transfer on a whim.
Now that players are paid and can transfer at a moments notice, the recruiting strategy changes. You don't want 5 McDonald's All American freshman, when only 2 might play consistently. Why? Well for starters, they're expensive. But also the other 3 are transferring because they didn't get playing time. So you payed them and got nothing in return. Instead, you're better off bringing in a talented freshman or two, then filling your roster with experienced transfers that can make an impact on day one. Those guys have already transferred at least once, so they aren't as inclined to leave again, like a freshman is. As the Mississippi State coach said, "I'm not here to build a program, I'm here to build a team". I know they lost to MSU, but that's where college basketball is headed.
Roy Williams said, one reason he retired was because he didn't want to have to recruit his own players every year.
reply