Basketball transfer portal’s early losers: Big names, big swings, bigger questions
As the dust settles on the 2026 basketball transfer portal cycle, early returns suggest not every big swing by high‑major programs is paying off.
The 2026 men's basketball transfer portal has been full of swings and misses for high-major programs. Kentucky coach Mark Pope was seen in recent days at a Maccabi Tel Aviv game in Israel on an apparent recruiting trip. First-year LSU coach Will Wade , who has one player on his roster for next season — former Kentucky forward Mouhamed Dioubate — is also reportedly in Europe as he looks to fill out the Tigers' roster.
The Wildcats landed a pair of top-ranked lead guards in Zoom Diallo from Washington and Alex Wilkins from Furman, although questions have been raised of how the backcourt will fit together. Wilkins, a true freshman last season, averaged 17. 8 points with 4.
7 assists per game, but also was one of the least-efficient guards nationally, averaging 3. 8 turnovers per contest. The two similar players aren't the best of shooters, either.
Who has best haul so far? College basketball transfer portal team rankings Under-the-radar transfers: When the stars are gone, the smart portal moves matter most Both programs are likely holding out hope for Santa Clara forward Allen Graves, the No. 3 overall player of the transfer portal this offseason, per USA TODAY Sports' rankings.
Continue to the original source for the full article.