Grading the Big Ten MBB teams in the transfer portal (so far)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Aiden Sherrell #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a basket against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images The transfer portal continues to play a pivotal role in collegiate sports, especially for college basketball. The most recent national champions, Michigan, started an entire lineup of players who began their careers elsewhere.

Nonetheless, with another portal cycle in the process (and with the portal entry deadline passed), it’s time to take a look at how Big Ten teams have done in this portal cycle. Keep in mind, these grades DO NOT include players who graduated or who are in the portal seeking an eligibility waiver. Illinois Fighting Illini: B- This one is tough to grade.

Illinois is losing Keaton Wagler to the NBA Draft, and Kylan Boswell is graduating, but the guys who transferred out didn’t play much of a role for the Fighting Illini last season. Andrej Stojaković, David Mirković and Ivišić brothers Tomislav and Zvonimir are all returning. The only portal addition is Providence guard Stefan Vaaks, who was a unanimous Big East All-Freshman Team selection.

Standing at a towering 6-foot-7 for a guard, Vaaks averaged 15. 8 points, 2. 5 rebounds and 3.