College basketball transfer portal roundtable: The biggest concern for top programs after spring closure

The college basketball transfer portal closed on May 1, and 247Sports’ team insiders have identified the biggest remaining concerns for 15 of the nation’s top teams for the 2024-25 season. Some teams, like North Carolina and Kansas, have minimal concerns due to their strong rosters, while others, such as Kentucky and Arkansas, have faced more significant changes. Despite the concerns, it is too early to panic for any of these teams.

There are still players available in the portal to address areas of need, potential NBA Draft withdrawals, and an entire offseason of training and practice ahead.A record number of 1,900 players entered the transfer portal for the 2024 cycle, including the final round of super COVID seniors. The final portal rankings, featuring a top 150 list of impact starters and future college basketball stars, were recently released.

The UConn Huskies face concerns in both rebounding and closing out games, as well as the challenge of defending against the Purdue Boilermakers in their quest for back-to-back championships

 

UConn’s biggest concern is the potential departure of star forward Alex Karaban, who is testing the NBA Draft waters. If he decides to return to school, UConn will have one of the best rosters in the Big East. However, if he stays in the Draft, head coach Dan Hurley is expected to search the transfer portal for a replacement. Analyst Isaac Trotter believes that if Karaban returns, UConn could be one of the best teams in the Big East. If he leaves, UConn may look to add another four-star player, with Illinois’ Coleman Hawkins being a potential target.

The Miami Hurricanes’ biggest concern is finding depth in their roster. After addressing their needs at point guard and power forward early in the portal offseason, they may look to add another depth piece. Hurricanes head coach Jim Larranaga and his staff have been proactive in their recruitment, landing impact players like Central Arkansas guard transfer Cam Hunter and NIU transfer Xavier Amos. While there may be a late addition to address depth, the Hurricanes have had a strong offseason so far.

The Texas A&M Aggies’ biggest concern is finding a true point guard for the 2024-25 season. While they have talented guard Nijel Pack returning for a fifth season, they still lack a true floor general. The good news for the Aggies is that there are 13 point guards in the portal with a four-star grade.

Head coach Jim Larranaga is expected to be actively recruiting some of these players to address their need.“Finding a true point guard was a bit of a point of emphasis,” InsideTheU’s David Lake said. “Miami will feature some guards with play-making ability, but the lack of a true point guard is a bit of a concern.”

The Florida Gators’ biggest concern is their 3-point shooting, as they ranked No. 345 in the nation in this category last season. The Gators’ staff is actively seeking to improve their perimeter shooting in the transfer portal. They have already added CJ Wilcher, a 39.4% shooter from 3, from Nebraska. However, the question remains whether their additions are enough to address this concern moving forward.

“Texas A&M’s addressed two of their biggest needs in the transfer portal, adding Pharrel Payne and Zhuric Phelps to help fill the void left by Tyrece Radford’s graduation,” GigEm247’s Andrew Hattersly said. “The Aggies ranked No. 345 in the country in 3-point shooting and hope the addition of CJ Wilcher helps in that regard, but the biggest question coming out of this transfer portal window is whether A&M did enough to address that area moving forward.”

The Auburn Tigers’ biggest concern is their guard play, as they will need to replace key contributors such as Zep Jasper and Wendell Green Jr. The Tigers have only added one guard in the transfer portal, FAU’s Alijah Martin, who had a down shooting year (41.4 FG%, 33.8 3P%) in his previous season. If Auburn cannot find a suitable replacement for its departing guards, their quest for a deep postseason run could be in jeopardy.

“Florida has a bright future under head coach Todd Golden and is looking for its first back-to-back NCAA Tournament berth since 2017-19 next season,” InsideTheU’s David Lake said. “The Gators will have a roster capable of a deep postseason run if it returns star guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard. If they don’t, things could get dicey. Florida has only added one guard in the transfer portal, FAU’s Alijah Martin, who is coming off a down shooting year (41.4 FG%, 33.8 3P%).”

The Kansas Jayhawks’ biggest concern is frontcourt depth, as they lost Ironman Jaylin Williams, who ran out of eligibility. Reserve power forward Chaney Johnson is expected to take Williams’ role next season, but there is still a question about who will take Johnson’s old role. The Jayhawks’ lone transfer portal addition, point guard JP Pegues, does not address their concerns in the post.

Head coach Bill Self and his staff have reached out to multiple transfer forwards, but they recently suffered a setback when Clemson transfer RJ Godfrey canceled his scheduled visit to Lawrence.“Auburn has two roster needs it’s still working to address in the portal: point guard and power forward,” AuburnUndercover’s Nathan King said.

“It doesn’t need a starter at either spot, though, which has been a bit double-edged for Bruce Pearl and his staff. The Tigers have most of their core returning, including three starters, but it’s been a tougher sell to get transfer candidates willing to take on complementary roles.”

and the list goes on……