Inside the Best Fits from the College Basketball Transfer Portal: How Kentucky, St. John’s, and BYU Fixed Flaws
The college basketball transfer portal has revolutionized the way teams build their rosters. No longer are programs bound by the limitations of a single recruiting class or forced to endure subpar play from players who no longer fit their system. Instead, they can scour the portal for talent that fits their specific needs, often finding diamonds in the rough who can make an immediate impact. For powerhouses like Kentucky, mid-majors like St. John’s, and programs on the rise like BYU, the transfer portal has become an indispensable tool. Let’s dive into how these programs used the portal to address their flaws and set themselves up for success.
*Kentucky: Bolstering Their Backcourt*
The Kentucky Wildcats have long been known for their dominance in college basketball, but the 2022-2023 season exposed a glaring weakness: their backcourt. With a lack of depth and scoring punch at the guard positions, Kentucky struggled to match up against some of its toughest opponents. That’s where the transfer portal came in.
Enter players like Dasean McKnight, who transferred from Butler. McKnight brings a scoring punch and playmaking ability that was sorely missing in Kentucky’s backcourt. His ability to create for himself and others will alleviate some of the pressure on Kentucky’s star forwards, allowing them to focus more on their strengths. Additionally, McKnight’s experience playing in the Big East will serve him well in the SEC, where competition is fierce, and talent is abundant.
Kentucky’s front office deserves credit for identifying this need and addressing it head-on. By landing McKnight and potentially other guards in the portal, the Wildcats have significantly bolstered their chances of returning to the top of the SEC. With a revamped backcourt, Kentucky is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament once again.
*St. John’s: Revitalizing Their Frontcourt*
St. John’s has long been a storied program in college basketball, but recent seasons have been a struggle. One of the biggest issues plaguing the Red Storm has been their lack of size and rebounding prowess in the paint. That’s where transfers like Joel Soriano come into play. Soriano, who transferred from St. John’s former star player’s alma mater, brings the size, rebounding, and defensive presence that the Red Storm desperately needed.
Soriano’s ability to protect the rim and grab crucial rebounds will give St. John’s the defensive anchor they’ve been missing. Moreover, his presence in the paint will allow other players to focus on their roles, whether it’s shooting from the perimeter or driving to the basket. With Soriano patrolling the paint, St. John’s is suddenly a much more formidable opponent on both ends of the floor.
The transfer portal has given St. John’s a lifeline, allowing them to compete with the big boys in the Big East once again. With Soriano leading the charge, the Red Storm are primed to make a statement this season.
*BYU: Adding Experience and Depth*
BYU has been on the rise in recent years, but the Cougars have always had one Achilles’ heel: experience. While their young core has shown flashes of brilliance, they’ve struggled with consistency and decision-making at crucial moments. That’s where transfers like Hunter Erickson come in. Erickson brings experience and a veteran presence that will be invaluable to BYU’s young players.
Erickson’s ability to make smart decisions on the court, whether it’s finding the open man or taking a tough shot, will rub off on BYU’s younger players. Moreover, his familiarity with the system will allow him to integrate seamlessly into the team, providing instant chemistry and cohesion. With Erickson on board, BYU is suddenly a more well-rounded team, capable of competing with anyone in the WCC.
The transfer portal has given BYU the missing piece they needed to take their program to the next level. With Erickson leading the charge, the Cougars are primed to make a deep run in the postseason.
*The Impact of the Transfer Portal*
The transfer portal has revolutionized college basketball, allowing programs to build their rosters in a way that was previously impossible. No longer are teams bound by the limitations of a single recruiting class; instead, they can cherry-pick the best talent available, regardless of when they entered the portal.
For programs like Kentucky, St. John’s, and BYU, the transfer portal has been a game-changer. By identifying their flaws and addressing them through strategic portal picks, these programs have set themselves up for success. Whether it’s bolstering a weak backcourt, revitalizing a frontcourt, or adding experience and depth, the transfer portal has given these teams the tools they need to compete at the highest level.
