As the Division I Men’s Basketball Conference tournaments begin across the country, hoops fans have plenty of hot things to talk. While most Americans will be preoccupied with their bracket predictions during March Madness, mid-major basketball enthusiasts will want to learn more about the influence the transfer portal is having on college sports and their favorite teams.
In an interview for my podcast, I questioned Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman about how league presidents were navigating the turbulent waters. As a non-football league, they normally pay little attention to the major changes in the College Football Playoff expansion. Instead, they are concerned with NIL and transfer academic eligibility, both of which affect their NCAA Graduation Success Rates (GSR) and other academic indicators.
Ackerman stated, “Whether it’s NIL, transfers, or academic eligibility, those all have a significant impact on our schools. So that’s where I try to summarize it for our presidents. And if we need to make a decision, it is up to me to find out what decision to make.”
Ackerman is one of the few mid-major leaders who sits at the most significant tables in college sports, bringing her influence and the conference’s perspective to decision-making.
She believes there is an unintended byproduct of coaches using the transfer portal. “There are some who recognize that (athletes having the freedom to transfer) may be a good thing, but I also see the impact that could have on rosters, roster stability, roster composition, how it affects the recruiting of players,” she said.
“I believe one of the areas that will be impacted is high school basketball recruiting. As more players enter the transfer portal (as tested undergrads versus untested freshman), you may see more colleges opting for that approach to replenish roster positions rather than going with an unproven high school child.”
For those who enjoy tracking high school player rankings by state (and anticipating where they might commit), the transfer site has changed everything.
For college presidents who care about graduation, much of this truth is uncomfortable.
“I think the key for our presidents would probably be, what’s their academic success going to be if they move around so much? Are they still going to be able to maintain their eligibility? Are they still working towards a degree? Are all those credits going to get lost, so that by the time they get through their second or third or fourth team, they really might have not much to show for it academically. At small to medium size private institutions where tuition revenues are crucial, presidents are worried about this problem more than the average fan realizes.”
She paused then said, “And without their degrees, they’re going to have a much tougher road in their post collegiate lives.”
Many would agree-just ask the academic advisors who work with the athletes every day.
This is an issue not many are discussing in this new world. While its easy to look for more NIL money or playing time at another school, an athlete who does that often enough can jeopardize earning any degree.
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