Adapting to the New NCAA: Navigating NIL & Transfer Portal Culture

What is your plan? Do you have one as a current high school junior? Seniors? What about current college-athletes? What are your goals?

College basketball has entered a new era, one defined by the transfer portal and NIL deals. The days of traditional four-year development paths are fading, and coaches are adjusting their recruiting strategies. St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino recently made headlines by saying he doesn’t even want to recruit high school players anymore, preferring older, more experienced transfer portal players instead. His stance reflects the current reality that winning now often requires ready-made talent rather than raw potential.

Advice for High School athletes:

If you’re an aspiring college basketball player, you need to understand the shifting landscape. With fewer scholarships going to high school recruits, standing out requires more than just talent.

1. Develop a College-Ready Game. Work on your strength, conditioning, and basketball IQ. College coaches want players who can contribute immediately. Build the habit of being the guy who wins - drills, sprints etc - never accept losing anything on court.

2. Impact winning at the High School & AAU levels. With fewer spots available, prove you are coachable and experienced in winning during different situations. Know who you are and play YOUR game to your strengths.

3. Build Relationships & Market Yourself

Create highlight tapes, reach out to coaches, and take advantage of social media to showcase your skills. Talk to people. Take advice from those who have done it - or doing it!

4. Consider Alternative Paths: Prep schools, junior colleges, or even overseas options can bridge the gap to a D2 or D1 offer. Don’t limit yourself to a certain division when playing the game is the real goal!

5. Go where you are being recruited. Go to a place you are not only wanted but where your skillset can be utilized!

   Have your own goals for developing as a student and as an athlete, and align those ideals with the coaches recruiting you. See which school is that best fit for YOU!

   
   

6. Be HONEST with yourself, your parents, your friends, your teachers and your coaches. Set realistic expectations and fross things off each year.

Advice for Current College Players

With constant roster turnover, college athletes must stay ready:

• Be Adaptable: Whether staying or transferring, improve every offseason and adjust to new coaching styles. Add something unique to your game or double down on your current role.

• Develop Your Unique Skillset: Coaches look for specialists: elite defenders, three-point snipers, or versatile playmakers. Who are you as a player?

• Be a Leader: Culture matters. With so many roster changes, leadership and chemistry are crucial. Let your voice be heard on campus and on the court. Be active in your community and support those who support you!

• Stay winning-focused. Keep your priorities on the main goal for all programs: PRODUCING WINS, producing high-character people.

Building a Winning Culture in the Transfer Era

The challenge for coaches is maintaining continuity while integrating transfers each year. How do coaches instill lasting culture? How do they build toward something over-time that changes yearly? Programs that thrive will have strong player development systems, clear roles, and a defined culture that attracts top talent. Whether you’re a recruit or a veteran, understanding this new reality will help you navigate today’a college basketball landscape.

Let your voice be heard in the comments below 👇