DJ Wagner

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — They say one of the first angles that investigators work when attacking a crime is checking the Google search function of the suspects.

Uh-oh. Better drop my computers into the nearest pond.

I opened the Google app on my iPad this morning. Here’s an abbreviated run-down of the topics I was presented before I entered a single word in the search bar:

“Former ‘Cuse 5-star Recruit with Kentucky ties back on the market.”

“Oakland transfer Trey Townsend to take official visit to Louisville.”

“Indiana in contact with nation’s top 3-point shooter, Koby Brea.”

“Frontrunner emerges for outbound Duke basketball transfer Jeremy Roach.”

“Cincinnati Bearcats basketball lands commitment from USC center.”

“Brad Underwood talks transfer portal additions.”

“College Basketball Transfer Portal 2024: Ranking top 70 players as Texas loses Tyrese Hunter, Dillon Mitchell.”

Sorry, officers. I’m guilty.

Guilty of a love/hate relationship with the transfer portal.

I hate how much I love tracking the comings and goings and goings and comings of college basketball’s version of speed dating.

I love that any time there is a gap in the sports action I can turn to the transfer portal and watch stories fall out in every direction.

I love that college athletes have established freedom of movement. Nothing illuminated the power imbalance in the college game more than coaches job-hopping without penalty while leaving behind players who had to stay or sit out a season while dealing with the new guy who did not recruit them.

I hate that players have too much freedom. Some of these guys are not leaving because of a coaching change or because they’re legitimately blocked from earning more playing time. They’re leaving because leaving is what some people do when things get difficult these days. Don’t work through it. Leave.

I love it because the players are kicking sand into the face of the 98-pound weakling known as the NCAA, which has no clue how to regulate player movement.

I hate it because without any enforceable rules, chaos has taken control. Ask any coach. This is chaos. You have to check the portal and check the vibe in your locker room. Every day.

I love it because academic freedom is also part of the package. Players who have lost interest in organic chemistry or accounting for mergers and acquisitions with their current academic advisor can now leave and immediately enroll in investment banking workshops and microbiology at their new campuses. Consider the generation of leaders we are creating.

I hate it because the next time somebody seriously discusses how many credit hours and degrees are being lost because of the portal will be the first time.

I love it because quick rebuilds are definitely on the table. The time was when a new coach at a Power 5 school could reasonably discuss needing two or maybe three seasons to deliver a winning record and four or five years to make a legitimate NCAA Tournament run. The world thought that was a sensible path to building a sustainable program.

I hate it because patience and persistence have become 4-letter words. Get in the portal and get this mess fixed. NOW!!!! Don’t tell me you need two or three recruiting classes. I saw what Amir Abdur-Rahim did at South Florida and Will Wade did at McNeese State. GET IT DONE, PAL!!!!!

I love it because players are making money. Let’s be truthful: If I was a Division I player I’d go in the portal every year. After my freshman year. After my sophomore year. After my junior year. And after my senior year, if I could scam my way to an extra season of eligibility. How else are you going to establish your worth? What better way to earn top dollar, especially for guys who are certain to earn no dollars as soon as their college careers end?

I hate it because I don’t know how much money they’re making. I’ve read and heard the whispers about 7-figure deals for 7-footers and three-quarters of a million for a top-of-the-line point guard. I need to know the truth.

That’s why I love and I hate the transfer portal. Now, back to the Google app:

“Duke Basketball: Outbound Transfer Count Grows to Four.”

“Former Kentucky pledge Boogie Fland back to square one’ after reopening recruitment.”

“Rutgers transfer Cliff Omoruyi cuts list: Will he stay in Big Ten?”

“Oumar Ballo, top player in transfer portal, picks Indiana.”

I love it. I hate it.

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