If you thought things were going to quiet down after the transfer portal closed on Tuesday, you’ve probably been doing some re-thinking. That was just the date that players were allowed to declare their intent to switch schools. They still have plenty of time to decide where they’re going next. We also have the added confusion of seeing a slew of last-minute entries of players who have exhausted their eligibility. Those decisions were made because of the legal wrangling that is taking place over the question of whether the NCAA can enforce its eligibility limits. Which is ludicrous, because if the NCAA can’t enforce something like that, what can it enforce?
That’s one of many questions that will hopefully gain some clarity when and if Judge Claudia Wilken approves the settlement reached in the House vs. NCAA case in the next two weeks. That process has hit a late (and eminently predictable) snag over the matter of roster limits, but it’s clear that the NCAA will fold its hand (also eminently predictable) and pave the way for the settlement to be approved. Because the last thing the NCAA (whatever that is) wants is several more years of the chaos that we are currently seeing.
That’s a lot to keep track of, but fortunately our partners at The Portal Report have updated their Top 50 transfer rankings, not just in terms of the order of the players but where everyone is going (or thinking of going). As an indication of the state of affairs, Chris Dortch checked in with Auburn coach Bruce Pearl, who went to a Final Four this year but still has to replace his entire roster, just like Baylor’s Scott Drew and several others are having to do.
I’ve also chimed in today with a ranking of my top 10 coaching hires from the 2025 carousel. More than 50 schools made a change at the top, so once again, I felt it was my sacred duty to put everything in order, and get predictions on the record that people can make fun of down the road when they turn out to be epically wrong.
It’s all just another great day to be a college hoops fan! Have a terrific Saturday and thanks as always for your support of Hoops HQ.
— Seth
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