The Transfer Portal Revolution: Game-Changers in Men’s College Basketball
The transfer portal has completely transformed the landscape of men’s college basketball, creating a whirlwind of movement that has reshaped teams and rewritten narratives. Gone are the days of continuity, where fans could count on seeing familiar faces year after year. Now, it’s not unusual to turn on the TV and see a player who once donned your favorite team’s jersey lighting it up for a rival squad. But not all transfers—or even coaching changes—are created equal. This season is a testament to that, as several players and coaches have already left an undeniable mark on their new programs.
Saturday promises to be a blockbuster day for college hoops, with 18 ranked teams in action. Among the highlights: No. 1 Tennessee faces a tough road test, and No. 8 Gonzaga takes on No. 18 UConn. But let’s zero in on eight game-changers—players and coaches alike—who are redefining their teams just a month into the season. All times ET.
Igor Milicic Jr. (Tennessee Volunteers)
Game: at Illinois, 5:30 p.m. (Fox)
Igor Milicic Jr. has been a revelation for the Tennessee Volunteers since transferring from Charlotte. In Tuesday’s 75-62 win over Miami, Milicic delivered a highlight-reel moment when he lobbed a perfect pass to Cade Phillips, who finished with a thunderous dunk that electrified the Madison Square Garden crowd. That play wasn’t just flashy—it was a microcosm of the problems Milicic creates for opponents.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Milicic is a forward who plays like a guard in Rick Barnes’ offense. He’s averaging 12.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, and his versatility has made Tennessee a nightmare to defend. Whether he’s scoring around the rim, hitting shots from deep, or setting up teammates, Milicic forces defenses to pick their poison. His arrival has been a key factor in Tennessee’s rise to No. 10 in adjusted offensive efficiency and No. 2 in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom. This might just be the most balanced team Barnes has ever coached.
Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois Fighting Illini)
Game: vs. No. 1 Tennessee, 5:30 p.m. (Fox)
Kasparas Jakucionis wasted no time making an impact for Illinois. The 6-foot-6 Lithuanian point guard showcased his skills in last week’s 70-66 overtime loss to Northwestern, where he weaved through defenders and Euro-stepped his way to a stunning layup. In Tuesday’s 86-80 win, he dropped 24 points, hit 50% of his 3-point attempts, and dished out five assists.
Jakucionis’ ability to shoot from deep and create shots in the lane has turned Illinois into one of the fastest teams in the country. Under Brad Underwood, the Fighting Illini are playing at a top-30 tempo for the first time, and Jakucionis is the engine driving this high-octane offense. He’s already being projected as a first-round pick in ESPN’s 2025 NBA mock draft, and it’s easy to see why.
Mark Pope (Kentucky Wildcats)
Game: vs. Louisville, 5:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Mark Pope has quickly silenced any doubts about his ability to lead the Kentucky Wildcats. In last Saturday’s thrilling 90-89 overtime win against Gonzaga, Pope’s team erased an 18-point deficit, showcasing the grit and selflessness he’s instilled in his players. Unlike John Calipari’s star-studded rosters, Pope’s squad doesn’t feature a surefire NBA lottery pick. Instead, it’s a team built on length, versatility, and unselfish play.
Pope’s approach is a stark departure from Calipari’s. He teaches all his players guard skills, regardless of their position, and runs his offense through them. This season, three of Pope’s players—each 6-foot-9 or taller—boast assist rates of 14% or higher, a feat Calipari never achieved in his 15 years at Kentucky. Pope has already redefined what it means to play Wildcats basketball.
Dusty May (Michigan Wolverines)
When Dusty May took over at Michigan, he made a bold decision: start two 7-footers, Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin. The duo initially had doubts, but May’s vision has paid off. Michigan rattled off seven straight wins before Tuesday’s narrow 89-87 loss to Arkansas at the Jimmy V Classic.
Wolf and Goldin have been dominant, combining for nearly 25 points and 15 rebounds per game. Their pick-and-roll game creates matchup nightmares, and they anchor a top-20 defense. May’s unconventional approach has Michigan ranked No. 14 and poised to contend for a Big Ten title in his first season in Ann Arbor.
Cooper Flagg (Duke Blue Devils)
Cooper Flagg has been a defensive force for Duke, which currently ranks No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom. The 6-foot-9 phenom can guard any position, and his defensive metrics are even better than Zion Williamson’s during his legendary 2018-19 season. Flagg’s versatility has been crucial for a Blue Devils team that has already faced a gauntlet of top-tier opponents, including Kentucky, Kansas, and Arizona.
Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State Cyclones)
Game: vs. Omaha, 1 p.m., Sunday (CBSSN)
Joshua Jefferson has brought a new dimension to Iowa State’s offense since transferring from Saint Mary’s. His ability to excel in transition has helped the Cyclones average 132 points per 100 possessions on fast breaks, a significant improvement from last season. Jefferson’s versatility has also allowed Iowa State to play at a faster tempo, ranking in the top 90 on KenPom for the first time under T.J. Otzelberger.
Derik Queen (Maryland Terrapins)
Derik Queen has given Maryland the offensive balance it sorely lacked last season. The 6-foot-10 big man is a force in the paint, drawing double and triple teams while still finding ways to score. With Queen leading the way, the Terps have improved their shooting percentage inside the arc from 48.8% last season to 58.7% this year. Maryland is back on track after a disappointing 16-17 campaign.
Brandon Angel (Oregon Ducks)
Game: vs. Stephen F. Austin, 6 p.m., Sunday (Big Ten Network)
Brandon Angel has been a perfect fit for Dana Altman’s Oregon Ducks. The 6-foot-9 transfer from Stanford is a sharpshooter, hitting 41% of his 3-point attempts this season. His ability to stretch the floor has opened up the offense, helping Oregon achieve a top-20 ranking in adjusted offensive efficiency for the first time since 2018-19.
As the season unfolds, these players and coaches will continue to shape the narrative of college basketball. Whether it’s Igor Milicic’s versatility, Kasparas Jakucionis’ speed, or Mark Pope’s innovative coaching, one thing is clear: the transfer portal has ushered in a new era of game-changers.
Originally Written by: Jeff Borzello
