The Transfer Carousel - 2021-22

[Rhody15]

All of these transfers will likely hasten a decline in interest in college basketball. Tough for fans to grow attached to teams when players are always coming and going each season.

Agree, it’s always fun to watch for and cheer a pliers progression over 4 years.

[rambone 78]

Having a "core four" that stayed together for 4 years, like we had under Hurley, is not likely to ever happen here again.

And Rick Pitino cobbles together a group of transfers at the last minute, and is likely to dance already.

And some say coaching in college BB isn't that important?

[woodennickel1]

Having a "core four" that stayed together for 4 years, like we had under Hurley, is not likely to ever happen here again.

And Rick Pitino cobbles together a group of transfers at the last minute, and is likely to dance already.

And some say coaching in college BB isn't that important?

You can say whatever you want about the guy but he can definitely coach.

[Bos8]

Certainly not arguing that fact, but keep in mind the program he took over has been to the last four straight NCAA tournaments. He was very deliberate in taking over a program that has many advantages over its peers.

[SGreenwell]

Certainly not arguing that fact, but keep in mind the program he took over has been to the last four straight NCAA tournaments. He was very deliberate in taking over a program that has many advantages over its peers.

I don't know - I bet Pitino would have taken over West Coast East Central State College, if they would have him and they were D1. Unlike Coach Cal and some others, there never has been a doubt about whether Pitino can coach at the college level. It's more the fact that he's an absolute sleaze that's the issue.

[Rhody15]

Certainly not arguing that fact, but keep in mind the program he took over has been to the last four straight NCAA tournaments. He was very deliberate in taking over a program that has many advantages over its peers.

I don't know - I bet Pitino would have taken over West Coast East Central State College, if they would have him and they were D1. Unlike Coach Cal and some others, there never has been a doubt about whether Pitino can coach at the college level. It's more the fact that he's an absolute sleaze that's the issue.

....are you doubting Calipari can coach at the college level?

And don’t use this one year to question his coaching. You’d also have to include Coach K in the “can’t coach” camp too then.

[SGreenwell]

Certainly not arguing that fact, but keep in mind the program he took over has been to the last four straight NCAA tournaments. He was very deliberate in taking over a program that has many advantages over its peers.

I don't know - I bet Pitino would have taken over West Coast East Central State College, if they would have him and they were D1. Unlike Coach Cal and some others, there never has been a doubt about whether Pitino can coach at the college level. It's more the fact that he's an absolute sleaze that's the issue.

....are you doubting Calipari can coach at the college level?

And don’t use this one year to question his coaching. You’d also have to include Coach K in the “can’t coach” camp too then.

Incredible recruiter, one title, and hasn't been to a Final Four since 2015. Caviar problems to be clear, vs. our basic chicken salad problems. I don't even think it's that controversial of a take - I think it was conventional wisdom that Calipari beat you in the offseason, with his scouting and recruiting, and not necessarily with Xs and Os on the court.

[ramster]

Greg Gantt, Sophomore, 6'8", Ranked #68 ESPN 2019 is leaving Providence College

[SmartyBarrett]

[theblueram]

Greg Gantt, Sophomore, 6'8", Ranked #68 ESPN 2019 is leaving Providence College

Friar fans seem happy about this.

[Jersey77]

Greg Gantt, Sophomore, 6'8", Ranked #68 ESPN 2019 is leaving Providence College

Friar fans seem happy about this.

I am seeing mixed feelings on their board.

Highly rated recruit and very athletic, many say he wasn't a good fit for Cooley's offense.

[PCFriars]

Gantt is a heck of an athlete but not a confident basketball player. Constantly out of position and very indecisive with the ball. High character kid who I wish nothing but the best for. But at least at this point in his development, he’s nothing more than a high energy bench piece for a decent team.

[JimSidd]

Greg Gantt, Sophomore, 6'8", Ranked #68 ESPN 2019 is leaving Providence College

Friar fans seem happy about this.

I am seeing mixed feelings on their board.

Highly rated recruit and very athletic, many say he wasn't a good fit for Cooley's offense.

He seemed very limited offensively, at least at the Big East level. I can see him making an impact in a lower level D1 conference, though.

[Jersey77]

Freshman Earl Timberlake just entered the portal 6'6" SF Miami from DC. He was a 4* top 50 recruit averaged 9 pts/ 5 rebs. in limited playing time due to nagging injuries. He was heavily recruited by Providence.

[Billyboy78]

Freshman Earl Timberlake just entered the portal 6'6" SF Miami from DC. He was a 4* top 50 recruit averaged 9 pts/ 5 rebs. in limited playing time due to nagging injuries. He was heavily recruited by Providence.

I don't know how involoved we got, but we recruited him too.

[SmartyBarrett]

No idea what “UNCX” is - assuming it’s a typo.

[rhodylaw]

Freshman Earl Timberlake just entered the portal 6'6" SF Miami from DC. He was a 4* top 50 recruit averaged 9 pts/ 5 rebs. in limited playing time due to nagging injuries. He was heavily recruited by Providence.

I don't know how involoved we got, but we recruited him too.

From Maryland, come on Cox (and Mrs. Mitchell), work the phones and get him here. Mitchells, Timberlake, Ish, Antoine, Martin, DJ and a PG and we are good to go.

[JimSidd]

No idea what “UNCX” is - assuming it’s a typo.

Probably Charlotte. I didn’t think it was referred to as UNCC any more.
I’m a little surprised he’s getting P5 interest.

[SmartyBarrett]

No idea what “UNCX” is - assuming it’s a typo.

Probably Charlotte. I didn’t think it was referred to as UNCC any more.
I’m a little surprised he’s getting P5 interest.

Some googling makes me think it's University of Northern Colorado. The 'X' is used to indicate that it's not the "UNC" that we all think of.

[PCFriars]

URI was one of the first teams to contact Cam’ron Fletcher. Not sure if there’s traction, but there is interest.

[Jersey77]

URI was one of the first teams to contact Cam’ron Fletcher. Not sure if there’s traction, but there is interest.

Also St. Louis has interest and will be heavily involved.

[Billyboy78]

URI was one of the first teams to contact Cam’ron Fletcher. Not sure if there’s traction, but there is interest.

Also St. Louis has interest and will be heavily involved.

And he's from St. Louis.

[Jersey77]

Another player to keep any eye on that can provide immediate help:
Vermont SR. PG Stef Smith (6'2") just entered the portal.
He averaged 14 pts, and America East All-Conference First Team (2020)

UConn and PC reaching out to him.

[URI_05]

Tre Mitchell leaving UMass.

[Jersey77]

Tre Mitchell leaving UMass.

Devastating news to them, they would of been very good next season.

"UMass star big man Tre Mitchell is expected to transfer, sources told ESPN. First-team All-Atlantic 10 selection this season averaged 18.8 points and 7.2 rebounds this season."
9:48 AM · Mar 15, 2021

[Urifan91]

Tre Mitchell leaving UMass.

Does that mean Tony Bergeron has entered the portal as well?

[Joe95]

It probably means half of Umass’s Roster is about to enter the portal McCall is a dead man walking

[RF1]

There have been recent concerns on the UMass message board about rumors that key players might transfer out. It would seem they may have been well founded.






I fear the new transfer rules will very much result in an annual export of talent from the A-10 going forward. Players will bolt for higher profile schools after having some success in the A-10.

[rhodysurf]

McCall sounded like he knew during his last press conference, it was a pretty morbid vibe

[RF1]

One does wonder where Mitchell and Bergeron will go? I would assume as was the case two years ago, they will once again be a package deal.

[Jersey77]

One does wonder where Mitchell and Bergeron will go? I would assume as was the case two years ago, they will once again be a package deal.

How about his pals Fernandes, Weeks, Santos all came together from Woodstock Academy, along with all their freshman?

[steviep123]

There have been recent concerns on the UMass message board about rumors that key players might transfer out. It would seem they may have been well founded.






I fear the new transfer rules will very much result in an annual export of talent from the A-10 going forward. Players will bolt for higher profile schools after having some success in the A-10.

If true, then Martin and Toppin (and others last couple of years) are the proverbial canary in the coalmine.

[Gonebarongone]

There have been recent concerns on the UMass message board about rumors that key players might transfer out. It would seem they may have been well founded.






I fear the new transfer rules will very much result in an annual export of talent from the A-10 going forward. Players will bolt for higher profile schools after having some success in the A-10.

Can't remember what year it was but Tim O'Shea had a couple good players at Bryant. You could tell they were building towards having a good season or more. And two of them get up and bolt to Nevada. If coaches can move around, it is hard to blame players for seeking out better spots. But, man, it has to be a killer for a non P6 coach. He retired the next year and is coaching prep basketball in Newport. This new one time transfer rule is going to murder the have nots. And it's not the NEC type leagues. It's everyone up to an including the lower half of the standings in the high majors. A free for all is coming. I guess there are only so many minutes in rotations at the top 20 schools to keep everyone happy but a melt up of talent is coming. You just have to hope you get the right ones who slide down because of fit, growth, etc.

[ramster]

There have been recent concerns on the UMass message board about rumors that key players might transfer out. It would seem they may have been well founded.






I fear the new transfer rules will very much result in an annual export of talent from the A-10 going forward. Players will bolt for higher profile schools after having some success in the A-10.

Many of us have been saying this since the day the new transfer rule change was announced.

It's just a fear for you? It's past the fear point on the announcement day.

It's going to bring interest in the game way down.

[steviep123]

One does wonder where Mitchell and Bergeron will go? I would assume as was the case two years ago, they will once again be a package deal.

How about his pals Fernandes, Weeks, Santos all came together from Woodstock Academy, along with all their freshman?

There was an article out there a year ago about the potential of Bergeron becoming head coach at UMass some day - I wonder if he's rumored to be leaving for another opportunity and they are following him. Just unwarranted speculation on my part. But if so, shady AF.

[RhodyKyle]

One does wonder where Mitchell and Bergeron will go? I would assume as was the case two years ago, they will once again be a package deal.

Unless Mitchell is leaving because Bergeron and Ms. Mitchell split up and he no longer owes Bergeron anything?

[Ramulous]

Maybe a ploy be the players and Bergeron to get McCall terminated and elevate Bergeron to the HC spot?

[Section104]

I wonder if Tyson will be looking for a new home as well

[Rhodymob05]

This transfer rule is going to bite the NCAA right in the ass. I don't care if we get transfers, its going to get bad.

[section(105)]

.......have flashy freakin ugly wardrobe..........will travel........driving Tre to his next stop......

[Rhody15]

Wouldn't be surprised to see PC make a run at Mitchell to replace Nate Watson.

[SGreenwell]

I kind of thought the assumption was that Mitchell was going pro. I still think that's more likely than him transferring - I think the transferring is a fallback if he doesn't get draft process results he likes. (And even if my assumption is correct, it isn't a great look for UMass, that he wants to GTFO regardless.)

[rhodylaw]

I kind of thought the assumption was that Mitchell was going pro. I still think that's more likely than him transferring - I think the transferring is a fallback if he doesn't get draft process results he likes. (And even if my assumption is correct, it isn't a great look for UMass, that he wants to GTFO regardless.)

Toppin leaving and playing at Kentucky must have sealed it for Tre. He is a much better player than Jacob and would be a starter at any school in the country. He will not go to PC to play for a second rate BE squad with no national attention. UConn is the floor, but I expect him to wind up at Duke, UNC, Kentucky, etc. I was so impressed by his play this year. For a guy who could arguably take 80% of the shots for his team, he shared the ball well, moved without the ball, has a really good pick and roll game. Just a fabulous player. He would be a sure-fire lottery pick if he played at a high level P6 school and it is not that clear at UMass, looks more like a second rounder.

We were a year ahead on the transfer thing - been saying that all along. It is actually not a terrible spot to be in because we have the Mitchells and Martin locked in for a few years, plus Jalen (who I think is going to be a player here eventually) and AB (who needs to rehab). Finding Freshmen transfers from P6 schools will be the game from now on. Keep those guys three years and you are in a good spot.

[rambone 78]

Good players at lower levels will want to transfer up more and more.

It's already happening.....guys figure the better the program, the better coaching and exposure they'll get.

URI is in the middle.....we get somebody, they play well, and then they're gone.

Some programs manage to hold on to their better players, but with Cox so far it hasn't happened, unless you count Fatts...and he was almost out the door as we know.

rhodylaw, that is our only shot.

[SmartyBarrett]

Seeing some UMass people saying that if they fire McCall and hire Bergeron as HC, Mitchell will stay. If true, that's a full-on hostage situation.

[Jersey77]

[rambone 78]

Let Dumbass do that.

Obviously there's a parallel to what happened here when we hired everyone's buddy Jerry D, so Lamar and friends would stay.

Bergeron might be everyone's buddy there too....but maybe he will suck as a HC, we could only hope.

[Rhody15]

Let Dumbass do that.

Obviously there's a parallel to what happened here when we hired everyone's buddy Jerry D, so Lamar and friends would stay.

Bergeron might be everyone's buddy there too....but maybe he will suck as a HC, we could only hope.

I'd prefer UMass to be good, there's always a little something extra when we play them. Local rivalry too, being two state schools in the same conference so close to one another.

[RF1]

Seeing some UMass people saying that if they fire McCall and hire Bergeron as HC, Mitchell will stay. If true, that's a full-on hostage situation.

Other UMass fans have interpreted things differently. They say Mitchell is leaving BECAUSE a decision was already made to keep McCall. Either way, the longtime UMass beat reporter thinks there will be no change to the status of McCall returning next year.

[RF1]

Things do not look good for UMass as many more transfers expected. This from a member of the UMass student run radio station WMUA: