The spring transfer portal for underclassmen in college basketball closes on April 30, and some big names have put their names into the ring in the final days leading up to the deadline. Here, we break down the biggest transfer portal news and updates from the weeks leading up to the portal deadline.
College basketball transfer portal updates as of April 30
Aidan Mahaney from Saint Mary’s to UConn
The reigning national champions picked up another veteran in the transfer portal as Saint Mary’s Gaels guard Aidan Mahaney heads to the Big East. Mahaney was the leading scorer on a Gaels team that won their conference in 2023-24. UConn is losing plenty of talent from this year’s starting roster this offseason, and will need experienced guys like Mahaney to lead their squad as they start from scratch.
Norchad Omier announces transfer
Miami Hurricanes forward Norchad Omier is leaving the 305 after leading the ‘Canes in scoring and rebounding in the 2023-24 season. Omier has one remaining season of eligibility, and entered the portal with a “do not contact” clause, which means he knows his next destination. However, we can expect to see him land in a program that is as or more high profile as Miami’s. UM’s Wooga Poplar also entered the portal last week.
Kadary Richmond enters transfer portal
Richmond averaged 15.7 points, seven rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per game for the Seton Hall Pirates last season, leading the team in each one of those stat lines. Richmond has his sights set elsewhere now after entering the portal, though his landing spot has yet to be announced. However, we can expect some big names in the sport to recruit the guard, who has some of the highest upside of any portal player.
Jeremy Roach transfers from Duke to Baylor
Roach has been a key piece of the Blue Devils’ offense for the past two seasons, but is headed to the Big XII to join the Baylor Bears. Roach, who averaged 14 points per game last season with Duke, will take over point guard duties from RayJ Dennis in Waco for his final season of eligibility.
Mason Gillis transfers from Purdue to Duke
Big Ten 2024 Sixth Man of the Year Gillis is headed to Raleigh-Durham. Gillis spent five years as a Boilermaker, winning a Big Ten title and making a national championship berth with his team. The small forward will be playing alongside other new starters as Duke lost several of their key players to the NBA Draft and the transfer portal in this offseason.
Lamont Butler transfers from SDSU to Kentucky
Butler was a late entry into the transfer portal and was quickly snapped up by the Mark Pope-led Wildcats. Butler led the Aztecs in assists in the 2022-23 season, which saw SDSU go all the way to the national championship, and is an extremely talented defender. He was named the 2023 MWC Defensive Player of the Year. The Wildcats will be undergoing a rebuilding season after John Calipari’s departure this offseason, and veteran starters are a must-have for the success of the program.