Coaching Chaos: How BYU and Michigan Are Navigating the Transfer Portal
The college basketball landscape is ever-changing, and the transfer portal has become a crucial aspect of team building. Two programs, in particular, have been making waves in the portal: BYU and Michigan. Both teams have been busy securing commitments from top talent, but their approaches have been vastly different.
BYU’s Coaching Conundrum
BYU’s new head coach, Kevin Young, has been wearing multiple hats since his hiring. Not only has he been working to put together his coaching staff, but he’s also been maintaining his responsibilities as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns. However, with the Suns’ elimination from the NBA Playoffs, Young can now turn his full attention to the BYU basketball program.
Despite the challenges, Young has been productive for BYU. He’s hired one member of his staff, secured a commitment from four-star recruit Brody Kozlowski, and retained two crucial members of the team: Dallin Hall and Richie Saunders. Both Hall and Saunders were in the NCAA Transfer Portal when Young was hired.
Now that Young has all of his attention focused on BYU, things should start moving faster. He needs to fill out the rest of his coaching staff and the rest of his roster in the next few weeks. The transfer portal options are dwindling by the day, and BYU still has multiple roster spots to fill.
Michigan’s Masterclass
Meanwhile, Michigan coach Dusty May has been building his roster through the transfer portal. His latest addition is former FAU star center Vlad Goldin, who will provide an anchor in the frontcourt. Goldin, ranked No. 8 in the CBS Sports Transfer Rankings, will bring much-needed size and efficiency to the Wolverines.
May has been tasked with turning around a program that limped to an 8-24 record last season. With Goldin on board, the makings of a competitive roster are coming together. Michigan could deploy a fascinating tandem of towers on the floor together in the season ahead, with 7-foot Yale transfer Danny Wolf also committed.
The Bigger Picture
The coaching carousel is always spinning, and the transfer portal is just one aspect of the ever-changing college basketball landscape. As programs like BYU and Michigan navigate the portal, they’re not only building their rosters but also shaping the future of their programs.
In other news, the longtime head coach of Brandeis University’s women’s basketball team, Carol Simon, is retiring after 11 players wrote a letter asking her to resign or facing the prospect of them refusing to play for her. The players cited allegations of racism and problems with team management as some of the concerns regarding Simon.
As the college basketball world continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the transfer portal will remain a crucial aspect of team building. Coaches like Young and May will need to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve.
