College Basketball Transfer Portal: Winners & Losers 2024
- As the 2025 college basketball transfer portal activity winds down, some teams have emerged as clear winners while others face questions.
- Though, not all conventional powerhouses had successful outcomes.
- Kentucky made significant additions through the transfer portal, acquiring five players ranked among the top 60 transfers.
The 2025 college basketball transfer portal reshaped team landscapes. Kentucky, Louisville, and UConn leveraged the transfer portal to secure top talent, setting a new standard for roster building. While these programs thrived, North Carolina and Kansas face roster uncertainties, underscoring the volatile nature of college basketball. St. John’s significantly improved by focusing on three-point shooting through strategic additions. This analysis from News Directory 3 dives deep into the winners and losers, offering insights to a new era of the sport. Explore key moves, pivotal player acquisitions and see how programs are evolving through the portal. Discover what’s next as teams finalize their strategies.
College Basketball Transfer Portal: Winners, Losers Emerge
Updated May 30, 2025
As the 2025 college basketball transfer portal activity winds down, some teams have emerged as clear winners while others face questions. Programs such as Kentucky, Louisville and UConn have capitalized on the transfer portal, securing notable talent.These schools benefit from strong fan and donor support, especially in states without major professional sports franchises.
Though, not all conventional powerhouses had successful outcomes. North Carolina and Kansas still have roster gaps to fill as the offseason progresses. Here’s a look at some of the college basketball transfer portal’s winners and losers.
Kentucky Lands Top Talent
Kentucky made significant additions through the transfer portal, acquiring five players ranked among the top 60 transfers. Jayden Quaintance, a shot-blocking freshman from Arizona State, headlines the group. He will join former Alabama forward Mo Dioubate to strengthen the Wildcats’ frontcourt. Jaland Lowe (Pitt) is expected to take over point guard duties, while Denzel Aberdeen (Florida) and Kam Williams (Tulane) will provide perimeter scoring. Coach Mark Pope’s first year has set a foundation for continued growth.
North Carolina Faces Questions
North Carolina’s transfer portal performance has raised concerns. Despite hiring Jim Tanner as general manager, the Tar Heels’ roster appears incomplete. While additions like Jarin Stevenson (Alabama) and Henri Veesaar will improve the frontcourt, questions remain about where the team’s future stars will come from. The Tar Heels may need to make further moves to compete at a championship level.
st. John’s Bolsters 3-Point Shooting
St. John’s has made significant strides in Year 2 under coach Rick Pitino, particularly in improving their 3-point shooting.After ranking low nationally in that category, the Red Storm added Ian Jackson (North Carolina), Oziyah Sellers (Stanford) and Joson sanon (Arizona State), all of whom shot 37% or better from beyond the arc at their previous schools.
What’s next
As the remaining players make their decisions, teams will finalize their rosters for the upcoming season. Programs that missed out on top talent will look for opportunities to add depth and address specific needs before the summer ends.