Portal Reporting: Moves I Like, Moves I Question
Stephen Gillaspie evaluates some of the major happenings within the transfer portal
Portal Reporting
The transfer portal is a major focal point within the world of college hoops. Some love the freedom it gives the player by allowing them to move from a school that has lost its coach, or from one that isn’t featuring them. Others don’t like seeing players leap between teams because of the difficulty it adds to coaches keeping talent. Despite how people feel, the portal has formed into one of the more crucial aspects of team building for colleges across the land.
At the beginning of this draft cycle, I posted my first “Moves I Like, Moves I Question” which featured both players who committed to schools and transfers.
What I want to do now is separate those two aspects, and highlight which transfers I like. I’ll also mention a few that certainly could work out—I just have questions. The reasons for all of these will vary depending upon depth, scheme, a school’s history in development, etc. If (and when) more moves come out after the time of this piece, you can be sure I’ll touch on those as well.
Let’s get after it…
Move I Like
Amari Williams | Big | Drexel to Kentucky
Amari Williams has thrown his name in the ring to test the draft waters, but has also committed to Kentucky should he return to college ball. It’s been well covered already that the Wildcats hired a new coach in Mark Pope, and his style is a bit more free-flowing and schematically advanced than what has been run in Lexington in years past. Amari’s skill set figures to fit nicely in what Coach Pope likes to do.
At Drexel, Williams was asked to carry his team in ways that would make most players crumble. Amari was able to be a monster on the glass and a terrific rim protector, while also displaying some sound passing chops. Coach Pope has been able to bring in some high-caliber floor spacers along with Williams, which should provide him plenty of room to do what he does best.
Along with the fit, Amari will be able to display his talent in front of a national audience every game. Sickos know his game but now, more college fans may get to take in the game of one of the sleeping giants of next season’s class—should he return.