Top recruits, transfer portal priorities, more for teams eliminated from NCAA tournament - ESPN
The transfer portal is open. The coaching carousel is spinning. And the attention of most men's college basketball teams is already on next season.
That's why our analysts are breaking down what to know about each of the final 16 teams in the field of 68 as they are eliminated from the NCAA tournament.
Below is a look at expected player departures, top incoming recruits and portal priorities for every team that loses in the final rounds.
Last updated: March 29
Jump to:
Arizona | Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | BYU | Kentucky | Maryland | Michigan | Ole Miss | Purdue | Texas Tech
Record: 28-9 (13-5 in the SEC)
How their season ended: 85-65 loss to Duke in the Elite Eight
Expected player departures: Nate Oats will have to replace his entire starting five, though most of that rebuild could be accomplished with remaining talent. First team All-American Mark Sears will be the hardest to replace — Oats will need to find someone who can lead a group that averaged more than 91 points per game, the top mark in America. Starters Chris Youngblood, Grant Nelson and Clifford Omoruyi will also depart. Plus, freshman Labaron Philon (No. 43 prospect in ESPN's latest NBA mock draft) has a decision to make about his future.
Top incoming recruit: Davion Hannah. Hannah and London Jemison are both four-star players and top-50 prospects, according to ESPN. The shooting guard and power forward, respectively, could both add to a rotation that — if Oats retains his top returning talent — should be competitive in the SEC a year from now, too.
Portal priorities: Oats' approach to the portal will first depend on who stays. Aden Holloway is ready to become a star in the SEC, and Latrell Wrightsell and Houston Mallette could join Holloway. But four of