A Rivalry-Blind Transfer Portal

Photo By: Jae C. Hong

In today’s collegiate landscape, college basketball fans hold their breath, hoping their favorite athlete doesn't enter their name into the transfer portal. This trend, driven significantly by NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, is expected to continue for years to come. Notable players are leaving their programs, with NIL playing a large role in their decisions.

When a star player leaves, it often brings disappointment and frustration to fans. Depending on the legacy they left behind, it can also be an understood departure with fans wishing nothing but the best for a player’s future. However, that legacy can quickly fade if the player chooses to represent one of their school's biggest rivals. This was evident in this transfer portal window, where four notable players opted to join schools, they never should have even considered.

In today's world, money will often triumph over loyalty, and these four transfers have chosen to betray their fanbases:

Kadary Richmond – Seton Hall to St. John’s

Photo By: Mitchell Layton

After three stellar seasons at Seton Hall, Kadary Richmond became one of the best guards in college basketball under the development of Shaheen Holloway. A First Team All-Big East Player, he recorded the second-ever triple-double in program history and helped the Pirates secure the NIT Championship, among other notable accolades. Richmond entered the transfer portal about a week and a half before the deadline, immediately becoming the best player available. A 6-foot-6 combo guard who can stuff a stat sheet, Richmond received interest from many high-major programs in the country.

The blue bloods of Duke and Kentucky came calling, and while disappointed, many of the Pirate faithful were ready to wish Richmond all the best at his future school. However, Richmond’s decision to represent a familiar Big East foe tarnished much of his reputation as a Seton Hall Pirate. Only days after entering the transfer portal, the Brooklyn native chose to play for Rick Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm. While the rivalry between these two programs hasn’t been as fierce in recent years, Richmond’s move surely reignites the tension both sides once had. The game between Seton Hall and St. John’s at the Prudential Center will surely be one hot ticket.

Aden Holloway – Auburn to Alabama

Photo By: Matt Rudolph

A five-star recruit out of high school, Aden Holloway committed to the Auburn Tigers with the anticipation of being a possible one-and-done player. While his time with the Tigers started off positively, it wasn’t the season that people ultimately envisioned. His lone collegiate season saw him average 7.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 20.2 minutes per game, with his shooting struggles evident throughout his time at Auburn. Holloway entered the transfer portal only nine days after it opened, claiming that his game didn’t exactly fit the style of Bruce Pearl.

The rising sophomore took less than twelve days to announce he would take his talents to Tuscaloosa and the Alabama Crimson Tide. What makes matters even worse for Auburn fans is that Alabama is expected to be one of the best teams in college basketball next season, fresh off their Final Four run. In what is already a bitter rivalry, this is another plot twist in what is going to be an exciting matchup next season.

Kobe Johnson – USC to UCLA

Photo By: Jae C. Hong

A top ten player in the transfer portal, Kobe Johnson was one of the first notable players to commit to a new team. After three seasons at Southern California, Johnson made the decision to transfer to crosstown rival UCLA. While he didn’t have the most productive freshman season, he averaged 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game across his sophomore and junior seasons. He was also a two-time All-Pac-12 defensive team selection.

While the departure of Andy Enfield made his decision to leave USC understandable, there was certainly no excuse for committing to USC’s biggest rival. Not to mention the fact that Johnson was a team captain. Both campuses are separated by less than an hour's drive, and it will be a rowdy environment at the Galen Center next season. Johnson’s move adds an intriguing curveball to what will mark the start of a new chapter between these two schools as members of the Big Ten Conference. To add more fuel to the fire, both schools will meet not once but twice in the 20-game conference schedule.

Roddy Gayle Jr. – Ohio State to Michigan

Photo By: John Fisher

While Roddy Gayle’s move may not have caused the same headlines as the previous three transfers, any athlete, regardless of sport, that transfers from Ohio State to Michigan won’t be taken lightly. Gayle started in all but one game this past season for the Buckeyes, where he took a giant leap in production from his freshman year. The rising junior averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game and helped lead Ohio State to the NIT Quarterfinals. Gayle is considered a top-60 transfer, per 247sports, and will help Michigan bounce back from a disappointing season under new coach Dusty May. Unfortunately for Gayle, he won’t escape a return trip to The Schottenstein Center as Michigan will travel to Columbus for the only regular season matchup between the two schools.